151 - South Devon : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

The South Devon National Character Area (NCA) is mainly a coastal plateau. It is divided by steep valleys and rivers that rise on Dartmoor. Wooded valleys and rias (long inlets) towards the coast are remote and hard to access from the land. The majority of the area consists of mixed farmland. Fields are separated by Devon hedgebanks and narrow winding lanes.

The south of the area contains many internationally important coastal and estuarine habitats. These support populations of wintering waders and wildfowl, and rare plants. They also provide significant carbon storage. Much of the area is a popular visitor destination. The South West Coast Path National Trail is an important recreational route. Historic market and coastal towns are located across the area. The two major urban areas are at either end of the coast. Plymouth is located to the west and Torbay is to the east.

The quality and character of the NCA is noted in many protected landscapes. It contains the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), part of the Tamar Valley AONB and the South Devon Heritage Coast. It also includes the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site and the UNESCO ‘English Riviera Global Geopark’.

Mixed farming remains the main form of agriculture. There has been a slight decrease in the numbers of livestock seen in the landscape. In recent years there has been higher uptake of agri-environment schemes. This has led to a rise in the number of cirl buntings. The area contains the largest remaining UK population of this threatened bird. Fishing is an important industry along the coast, particularly shell fishing in the area’s estuaries.

Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO)

See the Statements of Environmental Opportunity section for more details on the headlines listed below.

SEO 1

Protect and manage the coastal and estuarine landscape with its diversity of cliffs, geology, geomorphology, historic features, habitats and associated wildlife, contributing to the livelihoods, enjoyment and education of people.

SEO 2

Protect and extend the mosaic of semi-natural habitats within a mixed-farm, productive and versatile landscape of high scenic quality, rich in biodiversity. Increase the connectivity of habitats by expanding and enhancing the network of traditional, floristically diverse hedgebanks and river valley woodlands.

SEO 3

Protect and manage the nationally recognised and distinctive character of the landscape, the natural beauty, scenic quality, archaeological resources and historic features, such as maritime military sites, geological features and mining heritage. Enhance recreational resources, access to nature and heritage assets, particularly along the coast, to ensure public benefit and enjoyment.