The landform creates a repetitive pattern of ridges and valleys, over which is lain landcover mosaic comprising the dark green of coniferous forests; the lighter green of pastoral fields; occasional patches of rough grassland; ribbons of deciduous woodland following the valleys; and scattered grey huddles of farms and villages. This was one of the last areas of Devon to be enclosed, as is revealed in the regular pattern of straight roads and rectilinear fields. Time-depth is particularly apparent in the west, where prehistoric barrows form an extensive funerary landscape. Views southwards are dominated by the mass of Dartmoor which lies close to the south – the colour of its moorland changing from brown to green to purple throughout the year – and this gives the area a strong sense of place.
This area comprises the plateau and ridge landscapes centred on the line of the A3079 from Okehampton to Halwill Junction. The river valleys between and beyond the ridges are also included in this area. The boundaries with surrounding landscape character areas are generally marked by a gradual change in topography. To the north is the High Torridge Culm Plateau; to the east is the High Taw Farmland; and to the south and west the Upper Tamar Tributary Valleys, which separate the area from Dartmoor.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/west-devon-area/broadbury-ridges
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
Broadberry Ridges 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 rural character and the contrasts between its valley sides and plateau tops. Sustainable agriculture is supported, and traditional landscape features are well managed. The biodiversity of the area is increased. Recreation is encouraged through existing and new footpaths and other routes, and at sites such as Roadford Lake Reservoir and Abbeyford Woods. The rural views to and from Dartmoor National Park are protected.
Protect
- Protect the existing sparse settlement pattern, ensuring that any new development fits into it and respects local vernacular styles (whilst incorporating sustainable design); avoid visually-intrusive new development in the open landscape.
- Protect existing recorded areas of semi-natural habitat, and identify and survey any additional areas of heathland, acid grassland and species-rich permanent pasture.
- Protect existing traditional orchards, and encourage management and sensitive restoration where practical; ridges from former orchards may survive as parallel linear earthwork banks, which should be re-used rather than flattened.
- Protect archaeological features, and manage sensitively to ensure their continued presence in the landscape.
