This is a large-scale moorland landscape, sweeping below the high plateaux and summits of the unsettled high moorland. Smooth outlines are punctuated by many tors and jagged rock outcrops, with slopes often strewn with granite boulders and ‘clitter’ (scree). Areas of open moorland grazed by free-roaming livestock are fringed by a strong pattern of newtakes marked by granite walls containing rough grazing land. The landscape contains numerous sites and features of archaeological significance, scattered within a mosaic of heather and grass moorland punctuated by wetland habitats of international importance. Small villages and hamlets occupy sheltered locations, often associated with streams and rivers draining from the moor.
This area comprises the central part of Dartmoor around Two Bridges. To the north and south are gradual transitions to High Dartmoor, whilst in other directions there are more abrupt boundaries (marked by the change from open moorland to enclosed fields) with the Moretonhampstead Moorland Fringes and the East Dartmoor Moorland Fringes (to the east), the Southern Dartmoor and Fringes (to the south-east and south-west) and the Tavistock Dartmoor Fringes and the River Tavy River Valley (to the west).
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/dartmoor-area/central-dartmoor
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
Central Dartmoor on DCC Environment Viewer
Information on Devon's environment has been mapped on Devon County Council's Environment Viewer. These maps give access to geographic data for Devon on a wide range of topics.
Planning Strategy
To protect the rich cultural, geological and natural heritage of the Central Dartmoor landscape and to enhance its special qualities. Its strong sense of remoteness and tranquillity, and its open skylines are retained. The landscape is managed to strengthen its resilience to the impacts of climate change, and improve its habitat linkages. Sustainable opportunities for enjoyment of the landscape are promoted. The distinctive local character of built features is retained and enhanced, and archaeological sites are protected.
Protect
- Protect the geological features of the landscape, including the famous granite tors, clitter slopes and boulder runs.
- Protect the rich cultural heritage of the area, particularly the Bronze Age landscapes, medieval sites, and evidence of the area’s industrial heritage.
- Protect and maintain the rectilinear pattern of newtakes on the edge of the open moorland and encourage repairs to stone walls using locally-sourced stone and traditional techniques.
- Protect the area’s sparsely-settled character, high levels of tranquillity and dark night skies.
- Protect views across the open moorland and beyond, resisting significant intrusions (including lighting).
- Protect the area’s open skylines which form a backdrop to views.
- Protect in a good state of repair the vernacular buildings and structures. Limited development should utilise the same building materials and styles where possible (whilst incorporating sustainable design).
- Protect historic river features such as bridges and leats to preserve their important role in water management.
- Protect important habitats such as heather moorland.
