National Character Area 149 - The Culm : Key Characteristics

Rolling, open plateaux – in places steeply undulating – with many small but deep valleys, fast-flowing rivers and streams that drain the area (principally to the west and south), and wide views across a remote landscape.

A consistent geology, underlain by the dramatically folded mudstones and sandstones of the Culm Group. Distinctive geological features such as the Sticklepath Fault and expressions of Variscan deformation.

Heavy, poorly-drained soil, which supports a pastoral landscape of low agricultural quality but high nature conservation interest.

Contrasting enclosed, wooded valleys of the Taw and Torridge, cutting through the ridges with open valley floors. Roads, railways and bridges provide communication along these valleys.

Distinctive Culm grassland, or Rhôs pasture, containing uncommon plant communities, including purple moor grass, rush pasture, wet heath, mires and fens.

Little tree cover on the plateau, except for occasional wind-sculpted hedgerow and farmstead trees, and conifer blocks. Woodland is more frequent in the shelter of valleys and combes running to the sea, and where associated with estates.

Mosaic of field patterns reflecting the historic land use of the Culm, surrounded by characteristic hedgebanks.

Scattered hamlets and farms in cob and whitewashed stone, connected by winding, sunken lanes.

Spectacular coastline of high cliffs and estuarine features, nationally important geological features and narrow wooded combes, with occasional fishing villages (such as Clovelly) in sheltered coves.