Landscape is more than just scenery – it is the interaction between people and place; the bedrock upon which our society is built. The European Landscape Convention defines landscape as ‘an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors.’
Devon has a diverse and iconic range of landscapes. This includes the open, windswept high moors of Dartmoor and Exmoor; two mainly undeveloped coastlines of dramatic cliffs, sweeping bays and estuaries; rolling hills of traditionally managed farmland and secluded valleys; and a rich historic landscape of distinctive field patterns, winding rural lanes, parks, gardens, settlements and buildings displaying its long history of human settlement. The distinctive character, scenic beauty and tranquillity of our County, including 5 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, two National Parks, two World Heritage Sites and one International Dark Skies Reserve, is why so many people choose to visit and live in Devon. Balancing the needs of modern development with maintaining Devon’s essential character and beauty remains a constant challenge for planners, land managers and other decision-makers.
The South Hams landscape character areas:
- Plymouth Northern Wooded Slopes
- Plymouth Sounds Eastern Plateau
- Bigbury Bay Coastal Plateau
- Plymouth and Modbury Farmlands
- Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary
- Bolt Tail and Start Point Coastal Plateau
- Start Bay Coastal Hinterland
- Mid Avon and West Dart Valleys and Ridges
- Dart Estuary
- Froward Point to Berry Head Coastal Plateau
Friends of South Hams 