Landscape Character Types
LCT 4F: Dunes
Braunton Burrows, rising up behind Saunton Sands beach.
Summary description
This Landscape Character Type (LCT) comprises the sand dune landscapes of Woolacombe Warren, Croyde Burrows, Braunton Burrows and Northam Burrows. The majority of this LCT falls within the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Heritage Coast. It also forms a large part of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve core zone.
Link to Devon Character Areas
DCA 43: North Devon Coastal Downs
Key characteristics
- Hummocky dune systems backing sandy beaches, forming prominent features along the west coast of the North Devon AONB.
- Elevated and exposed topography affording extensive views along the coast, out to sea and inland.
- Dunes underlain by Late Devonian sandstones and mudstones.
- Low-growing wind-sculpted scrub and small patches of secondary woodland.
- Some rough grazing and common land grazing (particularly by ponies) on the saltmarshes and dunes. Most of the dunes are under non-agricultural uses or left as 'wild' landscapes.
- High nature conservation interest associated with the dunes, which form the core zone of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve and are designated as a Special Area of Conservation.
- Many of the dunes are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). There are also several County Wildlife Sites and the area is within the Exmoor Coast and Heaths Important Bird Area.
- The rich dune grasslands, wildflowers and scrub support numerous plant and animal species.
- Long-standing military use of some of the dunes for training exercises - concrete practice landing craft, radar station and decoy targets from the Second World War remain in the landscape.
- Undeveloped landscape with a strong sense of wildness and high levels of tranquillity.
- Golf courses are integrated into the sand dune landscapes, including the oldest golf course in Britain.
- Perceptual qualities affected by views of nearby urban and tourism-related development, as well as the extensive use of the dunes for recreation (particularly in the summer months).
- Dunes crossed by a network of rights of way, including lengths of the South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail. There is also a small area of Registered Common Land.
Sand dunes at Croyde Burrows
Valued landscape attributes
- Wilderness, tranquillity and natural qualities.
- Open views.
- Valuable and unique habitats as part of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Freedom to roam and find space away from other people.
View east across the golf course at Northam Burrows, with the Taw-Torridge estuary beyond.
Management guidelines
Protect
Protect the rich mosaic of dune habitats which support a vast range of plant and animal species.
Manage
Manage active sand dune systems through appropriate levels of grazing and access.
Manage, extend and re-link the diverse range of nationally important coastal habitats (including heath, dunes and coastal grassland) to enhance their biodiversity, and increase their resilience to rising sea levels and more extreme weather events.
Increase areas of coastal heathland and create buffer zones between cliff communities and improved agricultural land where possible.
Plan
Plan to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly coastal squeeze, seeking to expand and link semi-natural habitats and wildlife networks as part of local nature recovery networks.
Plan for the future effects of climate change along the coast, allowing natural processes to take place as much as possible.
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