This is a transitional landscape, linking the upland moor with the lowlands to the south, and forming the backdrop to many views of Dartmoor from the south. It is a landscape of changing colours and textures, with the golds, browns and purples of the moorland contrasting with the vivid greens of the pasture below. Fast-flowing streams rush down the hillsides in steep, narrow valleys which are often clothed in oak woodland. Farms and small villages nestle in valleys or in the folds of the hillsides, surrounded by ancient patterns of fields and linked by a network of twisting sunken lanes. On the moorland there is an extraordinary sense of time-depth, with many abandoned settlements from prehistoric and medieval periods reflecting the ebb and flow of people’s colonisation of the moor.
This area comprises the southern part of Dartmoor and encompasses upland moorland and the south-facing slopes and river valleys below it. The area itself forms a transition from upland to lowland, and its boundaries with surrounding character areas are gradual. It forms a ‘horseshoe’ shape around High Dartmoor South, with Central Dartmoor to the north. To the west is the River Tavy Middle Valley; to the south-west the Plymouth Northern Wooded Slopes; to the south the Plymouth and Modbury Farmland and the Mid Avon Valley and West Dart Valleys and Ridges; and to the east the East Dartmoor Moorland Fringes and the Mid Dart Valley and Slopes.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
Planning Strategy
To protect the landscape’s scenic quality and open skylines, strengthen its special qualities and features, and enhance its appearance as a backdrop to views of Dartmoor from South Devon. The area’s strong historic character is protected and enhanced, with the time-depth associated with archaeological sites and historic villages retained. Valuable upland semi-natural habitats are protected and appropriately managed to maximise their roles in biodiversity, water catchment, water storage and carbon sequestration. Development is controlled to minimise visual and audible impacts on the National Park. Sustainable agriculture is supported and distinctive features of the area are kept in good repair. Sustainable levels of recreation are encouraged, but without detriment to sensitive habitats or features.
