This landscape forms the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park, and is characterised by a settled rural feel, hummocky topography and steep wooded valleys containing clean, fast-flowing streams. The largest of these contains the River Dart, which runs through a dramatic wooded gorge. The rolling hills and slopes of this area are defined by a strong mosaic of irregular and predominantly pastoral fields, semi-natural woodlands and hedgerow trees, which contribute to its well-wooded character. Patches of heath, bracken and rough grazing enhance its Dartmoor character, and together with the woodland provide constantly changing seasonal colours. The topography and aspect gives much of the area a strong sense of enclosure, with distinctive historic hamlets and farmsteads nestled into the landform.
This area is located at the eastern edge of Dartmoor and includes the town of Ashburton. To the west is an abrupt boundary with Central Dartmoor, defined on the ground by the change from enclosed fields to open moorland. The boundaries on the remaining sides are all much more gradual transitions into the many adjacent landscape character areas, including the Moretonhampstead Moorland Fringes to the north; the Teign Valley and Slopes to the north-east; the Bovey Basin and the Denbury and Kerswell Farmlands to the east; the Mid Dart Valleys and Slopes to the south-east and the Southern Dartmoor and Fringes to the south.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
Planning Strategy
To protect the scenic quality of this landscape within Dartmoor National Park, strengthening its special qualities and features, including its rivers and steep wooded valleys. Semi-natural woodlands on valley sides, areas of pasture and wet woodland are managed to increase the resistance of their habitats and species to climate change, to protect water quality and to minimise downstream flooding. The tranquil, unspoilt character of the river valleys is protected, but they are still enjoyed by local people and visitors. The potential to use the streams to generate hydro-electric power for local use is explored sensitively. The field patterns, hedgebanks, and vernacular buildings within the landscape are retained and enhanced. The demands for additional housing and quarrying are met in a sustainable manner which does not compromise the visual qualities of the landscape.