This open landscape of pastoral farmland, rough ground and forests has an elemental, empty character, dominated by wet, unenclosed moorland, including Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor in the distance. The colours of the moorland – yellow gorse, purple heather and golden grasses – contrast with the dark green of coniferous plantations and the patchwork of brighter green pastoral fields. The Lew valley has a softer, more enclosed and intimate character, but is not easily accessible. Occasional clustered villages are linked by straight lanes flanked by rush-filled ditches.

This area comprises a relatively flat plateau of land, dominated by Culm grassland, coniferous forests and some pastoral agriculture. It is located between the higher land of the Broadbury Ridges to the south and the West Torridge Upland Farmland to the north (beyond the upper reaches of the River Torridge). To the west is a gradual transition into the Upper Tamar Tributary Valleys and the Western Culm Plateau. To the east (beyond the River Okement) is the High Taw Farmland.

https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/torridge-area/high-torridge-culm-plateau 

https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas 

 

High Torridge Culm plateau 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 landscape’s traditional farming systems which are integral to the survival of rare Culm grassland habitats. Open ridgelines are kept free of development and characteristic landscape features (such as white wooden finger posts) are retained. Opportunities are sought for sustainable recreation in the area. Coniferous plantations are well managed, and their existing and future potential to contribute to native grassland habitats is explored.

Protect

  • Protect farming and land management traditions, continuing to support local farmers to graze the Culm grasslands and lowland moors as an integral part of their faming systems.
  • Protect the existing sparse settlement pattern and ensure that development associated with larger settlements (e.g. Hatherleigh) does not affect the character of the area.
  • Protect the open views and undeveloped character of the area, having regard to its high skylines and cross-boundary visibility.

follow Hartstongue on social media

         

Twitter  Facebook  YouTube  Instagram LinkedIn