This landscape of elevated coastal plateau and dramatic coastal scenery has a varied, indented profile reflecting the alternating bands of Meadfoot Beds and harder rocks such as limestone, the latter forming the headlands such as at Sharkham Point and Berry Head. Between the headlands are coves and sandy bays such as St Mary’s Bay. The Daymark Tower, built in 1864 at the entrance to the Dart Estuary, is also a key landmark. The coastal plateau is open and exposed with a gently rolling appearance except at Berry Head where it becomes a flat topped promontory. There is little tree cover or settlement on the plateau except in the north where the town of Brixham and associated tourism development have encroached. Fields have been enlarged, reinforcing the exposure of the plateau, in sharp contrast to the greater shelter within the incised combe valleys and coves which has enabled the planting of pine or exotic plant species at Coleton Fishacre Gardens. Along much of the coast above the cliffs is an area of coastal grassland, scrub and heath with open access.
This area comprises a small elevated coastal plateau dissected by coastal combes which stretches from the mouth of the Dart Estuary in the south to Berry Head and the urban edge of Brixham in the north. To the east the area is bounded by the sea, while to the west the landscape faces inland, forming the upper slopes of the Dart Estuary, which are incised by tributary streams.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/froward-point-to-berry-head-coastal-plateau
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
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Read more: DCA - Froward Point to Berry Head coastal plateau
The deep, wooded cleft of the Plym valley is surrounded by intricate pastoral farmland punctuated with hedgerows. It forms a distinctive feature within the setting of Plymouth, and contrasts with both the moorland of Dartmoor above, and the urban mass of Plymouth below. The steep-sided, wooded valleys have a strong sense of enclosure and intimacy, feeling like a ‘world of their own’ and far removed from the adjacent city. Dark coniferous plantations contrast with the seasonally-changing colours of the ancient deciduous woodlands which cloak the valley sides. There is a strong sense of history, with a prehistoric hillfort, historic parklands, manor houses, farms and industrial heritage all visible within the landscape.
This relatively small area (including the Plym valley) is located to the north-east of Plymouth and makes an important contribution to the setting of the city. To the north-west is the more open land of Roborough Down, within the River Tavy Middle Valley area. To the north-east is a more gradual transition into the higher land of Southern Dartmoor and Fringes. In the south-east is a small area of transition into the lower-lying Plymouth and Modbury Farmlands. The area’s western and southern boundaries are defined by the edge of the city of Plymouth.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/plymouth-northern-wooded-slopes
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
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This landscape of elevated coastal plateau and dramatic coastal scenery has a varied, indented profile reflecting the alternating bands of soft and hard rocks, the latter forming the headlands and rocky outcrops such as Mew Stone. Between the headlands are coves and sandy bays such as Jennycliff Bay and above are coastal grassland, scrub and heath with open access and dramatic views. In many cases the grain of the rock strata is apparent along the cliffs and notable rock features including wave-cut platforms and raised beaches can be readily appreciated. The coastal plateau is open and exposed having a gently rolling appearance with little tree cover; and fields have often been enlarged reinforcing the exposure of the area. In sharp contrast, the incised combe valleys and coves have a more intimate small scale character, in part due to the woodlands which thrives in these more sheltered environments. This is a well settled landscape with urban influences felt close to the edge of Plymouth as well as in villages such as Heybrook Bay, Wembury and Down Thomas.
This area comprises an elevated coastal plateau dissected by coastal combes, enclosed to the north by the Plymouth suburbs of Plymstock and Turnchapel. It forms the eastern headland of Plymouth Sound, which it overlooks. Its eastern edge is clearly marked by the incised mouth of the Erne estuary, beyond which lie the Bigbury Bay Coastal Plateau and (inland to the north-east) the Plymouth and Modbury Farmlands. To the south there are dramatic coastal cliffs.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/plymouth-sound-eastern-plateau
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
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This landscape comprises an open, elevated and exposed farmed plateau which has a strong coastal influence and is deeply incised by the scenic estuaries of the Yealm, Erne and Avon. These river systems flow north-south and divide the landscape into three, while the tributary valleys often fan out east-west and are closely juxtaposed with the plateau farmland. In the east the landscape becomes lower-lying, forming more gentle coastal slopes where the geology changes from slates to softer Meadfoot Beds. Where the plateau meets the sea there are high dramatic cliffs as well as coastal slopes and combes that penetrate inland. These combes and the coastal coves and bays are often difficult to access and have an isolated and secretive quality. Views out to sea and along the coast are contained within Bigbury Bay, framed by the headlands of Stoke Point and Bolt Tail. Overall this area is sparsely settled although church spires in the nucleated villages that rest on the upper slopes of valleys or on the plateau are notable vertical features and landmarks.
This area comprises a coastal plateau and coastal slopes which extend from the River Yealm Estuary around Bigbury Bay as far as Bolt Tail. It is bounded to the west by the Erne estuary and Plymouth Sound Eastern Plateau and to the east by the Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary. To the south is the sea and to the north the landscape undergoes a gradual transition to an area of lower-lying topography with diminishing coastal influences.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/bigbury-bay-coastal-plateau
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
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The constant presence of Dartmoor on the northern horizon is a defining characteristic of this area. Situated below the open skyline, moorland rim and wall-patterned upper slopes of Dartmoor, this landscape forms a patchwork of fields, small woodlands and some estate planting. Together they create a settled, well-treed and scenic landscape. Despite the presence of the A38 and the town of Ivybridge, the area’s narrow wooded valleys retain an intimate and secluded character, with tree-lined rivers snaking through a pastoral landscape of meadows, woodland and estate parkland.
This area is located to the east of Plymouth, and includes the town of Ivybridge. To the north is a gradual transition up to Southern Dartmoor and Fringes and to the south a transition to the Bigbury Bay Coastal Plateau; while to the east and west respectively lie the Mid Avon and West Dart Valleys and Ridges and the built-up area of Plymouth. The area includes the middle catchments of the Rivers Erne and Yealm and is crossed by the A38.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/plymouth-and-modbury-farmlands
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
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This is a waterside landscape where open water is juxtaposed with steep wooded valley sides that rise to rounded ridges between valleys and creeks. The creeks branch off the main waterway to form intricate tidal waterways which are best explored by boat and have a quiet and secretive character. The farmland on the rounded ridges above is divided by hedge banks that emphasise the convex slopes of the land. The tidal character of this area results in a continually changing scene that varies from open expanses of water to shiny mudflats, and the area as a whole has a coastal character – exposed to salt laden winds, with the sounds of seabirds being strongly evocative. Views across and up and down the estuary are a defining feature, although they may be tantalisingly fleeting.
This area is defined by the Kingsbridge Estuary – a ria valley (drowned river valley) with tidal creeks and tributaries that extend far inland. Its boundaries are defined by surrounding higher land creating a distinct visual unit or ‘bowl’ focused on the estuary. To the north the area is flanked by the higher Mid Avon and West Dart Valleys and Ridges while to the south the coastal plateau landscapes enclose the mouth of the ria and wrap around to the east and west.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/salcombe-to-kingsbridge-estuary
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
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This landscape is distinctive for its long straight shingle beach which stretches between Torcross and Strete and the inland freshwater lagoon which sits behind. The low-lying coastal landscape is open with a strong horizontal emphasis and contrasts sharply with the dramatic high cliffs found further south. The cliffs to the north of the bay, which are included in this area, are lower and softer in profile than those found at Start Point. Behind the freshwater lagoon of Slapton Ley, is a gently rising plateau that recedes from the coast, reinforcing the sense of openness and space surrounding the bay. The coastal combes that are set within the inland plateau are relatively broad and open and have a settled character – historic nucleated villages being common. The valleys each contain a small stream associated with wet woodland and wet grassland; and the field pattern is small to medium scale and irregular, lending a sheltered character. On the plateau landscape between the valleys farming is mixed, with medium-sized regular fields defined by Devon hedgebanks. Here woodland is sparse although woodland clumps and hedgerow trees often give rise to a tree lined horizon.
This area comprises the low, wide sweeping bay of Start Bay and the cliffs to the north along with the coastal combes which extend far inland, dissecting the rising inland plateau landscape. To the east this landscape is bordered by the sea, while to the south there is a transition as the geology changes and the land rises onto the Start Point Coastal Plateau. To the west and north the edge of this area is marked by a watershed beyond which the deeply incised rivers feed into the distinctive estuary of the Dart and valley of the River Avon.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/start-bay-coastal-hinterland
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
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This is a plateau landscape dissected by major rivers (the Avon and tributaries of the Dart) where the interplay of upland and valley is the defining characteristic. Located some distance from the coast (and of a lower elevation than the coastal plateau) the focus of this landscape is inland and from higher ground there is a strong visual association with Dartmoor on the north-western skyline. From the narrow plateau ridges the valleys below have surprisingly little influence on landscape perceptions; within the valleys themselves the landscape is generally enclosed by woodland. There is no definite grain or pattern to the valleys and this contributes a sense of disorientation. Most of this landscape is feels remote and is only lightly settled. The historic lanes, intact villages, church tower landmarks and historic sites contribute a strong sense of time-depth and intactness. Within the sheltered Avon valley the river flows between overhanging trees and there is an air of peace and seclusion.
This area covers an extensive part of South Hams District and comprises an elevated inland plateau south-east of Dartmoor which is deeply incised and dissected by valleys. To the north the landscape drops in elevation to lower rolling farmland surrounding Totnes. To the east it is flanked by the distinctive Dart Estuary and tributary creeks and to the south there is a transition to the coastal hinterland of Start Bay and Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary, where coastal influences are apparent. To the west there is a gradual transition to the lower-lying, less incised farmlands surrounding Modbury and the rising moorland fringes of Dartmoor.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/mid-avon-and-west-dart-valleys-and-ridges
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
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This landscape is centred on the Dart estuary which carves a deep fissure into the surrounding higher land, creating a unique amalgam of land and water. A journey down the estuary displays many contrasts, from steep, wooded cliffs to gentle, rolling pasture lands, and from the grandeur of the wide and deep main channel to the intimacy of the tributary creeks. The tributary creeks have cut their own steep sided, secluded valleys such as Bow Creek, Dittisham Mill Creek and Old Mill Creek, deeply dissecting the high ground. The steeply sloping banks and valley sides, in places too steep for agriculture, support some of the most extensive tracts of ancient semi-natural woodland in the South Devon AONB and these woodlands enhance this landscape’s sense of enclosure. Small historic villages cling to the steep slopes, their vernacular buildings, boathouses and mills sitting on the water’s edge; and this coupled with the network of narrow ancient lanes, lends a timeless quality to the area.
This area comprises the Dart Estuary – a ria valley (drowned river valley) with tidal creeks that extend as far as Totnes (a distance of 17km). Its boundaries are defined by surrounding higher land creating a distinct visual unit focused on the estuary. To the north beyond this landscape the land drops northwards to form Torbay Hinterland while to the east the land forms a coastal plateau (the Froward Point to Berry Head Coastal Plateau) which faces out to sea. To the south and west the tributary creeks of the estuary become inland valleys creating deep incisions into the inland plateau landscapes.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/dart-estuary
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
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South Devon National Character Area (NCA) is predominantly a plateau, dissected by steep valleys and rivers, most rising on the adjoining Dartmoor NCA. Towards the coast the often wooded valleys and rias are remote and hard to access from the land. The majority of the area consists of mixed farming, with fields flanked by Devon hedgebanks and narrow winding lanes. The south of the area contains many internationally important coastal and estuarine habitats. These support populations of wintering waders and wildfowl, rare plant communities and also provide significant carbon storage. Much of the area is a popular visitor destination, with the South West Coast Path National Trail being a major asset. Historic market and coastal towns are strategically located across the area and the two major urban settlements are located at either end of the coastal stretch, Plymouth in the west and Torbay in the east.
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/1911063?category=587130
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