Exmoor Moorland Units Acknowledgements Thanks to Exmoor land owners and managers, the Moorland Initiative Board, The Forestry Commission, Natural England, RSPB and John Waldon for all their help in the production of this document.

First published 2011

Also available on our website at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or Tel 01398 323665

© Exmoor National Park Authority Published by Exmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9HL

All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Contents

Introduction ...... 4 Methodology ...... 5 Exmoor Moorland Units Unit 1: Western Coastal Heaths ...... 10 Unit 2: Central Coastal Heaths ...... 12 Unit 3: Selworthy, Bossington and North Hill ...... 14 Unit 4: Ilkerton Ridge, Hoaroak and Furzehill ...... 16 Unit 5: Brendon Common ...... 18 Unit 6: Deer Park, Turf allotment and Cloud Common ...... 20 Unit 7: Porlock Common ...... 22 Unit 8 & 9: Dunkery ...... 24 Unit 10: Codsend Moor and Downscombe Bog ...... 26 Unit 11: Butterhill, Chapman’s Barrow and Radworthy ...... 28 Unit 12 & 13: The Chains, Exe Plain, Warren and Larkbarrow ...... 30 Unit 14: Southern Exmoor Forest ...... 32 Unit 15: Southern Commons ...... 34 Unit 16: North Molton Ridge and Barcombe Down ...... 36 Unit 17: Molland, West Anstey and East Anstey ...... 38 Unit 18: Withypool, Halscombe and Humber’s Ball ...... 40 Unit 19: Winsford Hill ...... 42 Unit 20: Grabbist Ridge ...... 44 Unit 21: Dunster Heaths ...... 46 Unit 22: Haddon Hill ...... 48 References ...... 51 The Moorland Units of Exmoor

Introduction This document was produced by Exmoor National The production of the report was led by the Park Authority in 2011 to provide a geographically Moorland Initiative Board, which includes based summary of issues and opportunities representatives of moorland owners, Natural affecting moorlands within the National Park. The England, the Exmoor Society, Exmoor Trust, RSPB, study aims to identify how national park purposes English Heritage, heritage interests, NFU, and the could be furthered on each of the moorland blocks National Park Authority. In 2005 it set out its vision within Exmoor. The priorities for each site have been for moorland as follows: discussed with landowners and managers, but the resulting maps and accompanying text are intended as basis for future discussion around various land management options. Our shared vision is of Exmoor’s moorlands, in perpetuity, providing for the following, interdependent public goods that are highly valued and The purposes for which National Parks are enjoyed by a wide range of people in our society: designated are:  Extensive wildlife habitats, that are well  Protection of the rich record of human activity,  to conserve and enhance natural beauty, adapted to future change and support history and culture with opportunities for this wildlife and cultural heritage, and to flourishing populations of their distinctive to be explored and more fully understood native plants and animals  provide opportunities for the understanding  A stimulating place for all people to discover, and enjoyment of their special qualities by the  Livelihoods for thriving local communities of appreciate and enjoy the natural world and public farmers and other rural businesses that depend their cultural heritage upon the land  Clean, fresh water and healthy, stable soils act as  Wild, open, beautiful and awe-inspiring a sink for atmospheric carbon that would landscapes where everyone can gain inspiration otherwise contribute to a global climate change and experience tranquility and solitude  Opportunities for everyone to find enjoyment through physical and mental challenges, but without damaging these beautiful, fragile areas .

4 The Moorland Units of Exmoor

Methodology In 2004 The Exmoor Society published a report on This work resulted in a ‘Survey Map’ for each and farmers to secure their comments. This limited Exmoor moorlands entitled Moorlands at a moorland unit. These maps brought together all the consultation was very constructive but there was Crossroads. One of the report’s recommendations information and data relevant to each unit; including widespread support from the land owners for the was to “Establish objectives and needs for each of the landscape character assessments, SSSI condition maps to be simpler and to show the issues and moorland units”. This report had already begun to assessments, Scheduled Monuments, access issues, opportunities for improvement within each unit. gather information on the 22 moorland units it had various surveys, PALs (see page8) and Common Land. A number of workshops with ENPA staff and Natural identified. Following publication, staff from the In November 2008 the Exmoor Moorland Initiative England explored different ways this information Exmoor National Park Authority started to compile Board recommended that the work be checked to could be captured and displayed. More information further data and information for each of the units. ensure it was fully up to date and that a process of was gathered and this was further refined. The consultation with landowners and key land resulting maps were distilled and eventually one managers was undertaken. The updating with the map together with a brief narrative was provided for relevant agencies was completed in March 2009 each moorland unit. It is this set of “opportunity” and a series of meetings followed with landowners maps that form this report.

5 The Moorland Units of Exmoor

The Opportunity Maps The boundaries of the moorland units. What is depicted on the maps? These maps have no statutory role. They are The original 22 units are a sub-division of the five The current distribution of public access land, as provided for guidance only. Their strength lies in the different areas based on dominant vegetation types defined by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act contributions from a very wide range of people, first described by Sinclair in 1966. Following the (CROW Act) 2000, is shown within each unit. The including staff from the ENPA, Natural England, local publication of the units in 2004 further refinement boundaries are as shown on Ordnance Survey farmers and landowners. Hopefully the maps will led to amendments to the boundaries and to the maps. play an important role in guiding future land combination of similar units (e.g. units 8 and 9). The The various consultations identified areas management and provide confidence to those boundaries are not intended to be definitive; they considered to have the potential for improving the seeking the priorities for action within the moorland are drawn to suggest the boundaries of the unit’s landscape. These areas are shown on most maps. units. moorland vegetation as it is now and possibly, Specific issues such as visually intrusive fences and The information displayed is often within an where relevant in terms of restoration, the extent of overhead wires are also identified. Sites where there indicative boundary. It is intended to identify an moorland vegetation in the last 100 years. For the is the potential to improve the condition and issue and provide an approximate location only. It purposes of this exercise the moorland vegetation appearance of car parks and picnic sites are will be necessary, once the issue has been includes coastal heath, heather dominated included. identified, to seek more refined and accurate moorland, blanket bogs, valley mires and grass information. moors. Occasionally the unit encompasses other vegetation types including improved grassland, The accompanying text The information included on the maps is not the woodland and scrub. These additional areas have Each unit is briefly described and its principal definitive statement on the extent of that resource been included because map evidence shows that interests identified. The information used to create or issue. These maps can evolve as further they have been moorland in the past and they may these brief statements was compiled from ENPA information becomes available; as the natural still have moorland characteristics. resources become better known and require action staff and, where relevant, from the Sites of Special on the ground to sustain them or address concerns. The unit boundary is defined by a combination of: Scientific Interest (SSSIs) citations. The information set out under the headings: Main Section 3 - moorland Issues. Potential Actions and Additional Notes, arose from the various consultations including those with Section 3 - other land-owners, statutory agencies, ENPA staff and moor and heath farmers. The consultation was not exhaustive and Land identified on the other issues and actions will be identified. These OS first edition as maps begin that process. unenclosed moorland, common land or rough grazing.

Areas known to have been ploughed since the 1950s.

6 7 The Moorland Units of Exmoor

The Key individual features. They are mapped in order to The PALs define landscapes rather than individual identify manageable blocks of continuous features. Some smaller archaeological sites will fall significant archaeological value with important outside the PALs, including some Scheduled interrelationships with the topographical landscape Monuments. There is a presumption that Scheduled of the moorland. The criteria for selection of the PAL Monuments, whether they are in or outside a PAL areas were based on those adopted by Exmoor will be protected and managed by scrub and National Park and are set out below - bracken control as necessary, to maintain visibility 1. Numbers - areas which contain a and prevent a decline in their condition. concentration of a particular type of monument or monument group. Areas of erosion 2. Associations - where monuments can be Areas where erosion is causing damage to moorland shown to be associated with other groups of landscapes and where it may be beneficial to monuments. consider remedial works. 3. Completeness - areas where the survival of archaeological features is such that a relict Important areas of bracken for rare landscape of a particular period is preserved in species a largely undamaged form. Areas identified as having important mosaics of 4. Complexity - where the survival of bracken and heathland or grassland, particularly archaeological features is such that sites of important for the rare High Brown Fritillary butterfly. different time periods are preserved, creating a This species has declined dramatically across the UK chronology of human use and/or occupation. and Exmoor is one of its few remaining strongholds. It 5. Special degree of preservation - where the is historically associated with coppiced woodland / Each map is accompanied by a key. A more detailed degree of survival of archaeological remains is woodland edge and requires warm bracken slopes in description of the key is set out below unusually high combination with violets, its larval food plant Access land (CROW) 6. Special or unique to Exmoor - areas which make a special contribution to telling the story Areas with potential for heathland/ Land designated under the Countryside and Rights of Exmoor's past. grassland restoration or improvement of Way Act 2000 where the public has a legal right 7. Contributing significantly to the character of Moorland or former moorland sites where there is of open access on foot. the landscape - where the nature of the potential to improve the character or condition of archaeology contributes directly to the the moorland vegetation. The sites may have been Principal Archaeological landscape character. overgrazed, undergrazed or agriculturally improved. Landscapes (PALs) - Areas of high 8. Accessibility - where the sites are particularly They typically link to areas of existing good quality archaeological importance. popular and well known with visitors, school moorland vegetation. PALs are areas of coherent landscapes rather than groups and local people.

8 The Moorland Units of Exmoor

Areas with potential for peatland restoration Glossary of Terms Areas identified as having relatively deep peat soils in Blanket bog - is an area of peatland, forming where habitat quality. there is high rainfall and a low level of transpiration, association with drainage ditches or peat cuttings. Moorland Unit - area of moorland considered to allowing peat to develop not only in wet hollows These areas may have the potential for the ditches to share the same character and attributes. be blocked and the area rewetted to improve but over large expanses of undulating ground usually producing a wide area of marshy ground. PALs - Principal Archaeological Landscapes, biodiversity, restore a more natural hydrological areas of high importance for the historical system and help sequester carbon into the peat soils. Funerary monuments - archaeological monuments that relate to burial or cremation. environment where land management will enhance its value. Non statutory. Potential “natural links” sites Heathland - areas of open moorland that are Areas identified as former moorland where it is dominated by dwarf shrubs especially heather/ling. Scrub - small trees and bushes including considered that reversion to heathland is probably Historic environment - all those material remains rhododendron, European gorse and birch. not practical, but where less intensive management that our ancestors have created and covers the Semi-natural vegetation - characterised by could deliver significant landscape, wildlife, heritage whole spectrum of human activity. Also includes native plant species - an important biodiversity or natural resource benefits. These sites generally environmental and archaeological soil and peat resource. deposits. link or extend existing moorland . SM - Scheduled Monument. HER - Historic Environment Record SSSI - Site of Special Scientific Interest, an area of Improved land - land brought into more intensive Areas of gorse and scrub which land which is officially protected due to its may need to be controlled agriculture usually by removing semi-natural vegetation and replacing with grass or other crops. importance for its fauna, flora or geology. Land is Areas of European gorse, birch, rowan, hawthorn notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act - an initiative that seeks and other colonising tree and shrub species which Mire Restoration Project 1981. have moved onto moorland areas in recent years. to re-wet bogs, mires and areas of blanket bog Woodland edge - the inter-face between This extension of scrub seems to be associated with to improve their water retention properties, enhance carbon sequestration and restore woodland and the open moorland. a combination of lower stocking levels, lack of swaling and possibly milder winters. Control will generally mean removing significant areas of scrub Rhododendron to be controlled Areas with potential for landscape while recognising its potential ecological value in Areas identified as being affected by restoration certain areas. It may be appropriate to manage as Rhododendron ponticum, a non native, extremely Sites such as car parks, picnic areas and viewpoints rotational scrub in these cases. invasive shrub which can rapidly colonise where improvements to, or redesign of the site woodland and moorland sites. Control of could enhance the visual amenity of the area. On rhododendron will usually mean removal of the some maps, intrusive fences and powerlines have plant and where possible eradication from the site . specifically been included, but mapping is not comprehensive and landowners / managers may be aware of other specific issues.

9 Unit 1: Western Coastal Heaths An isolated unit close to unit 2 and 11. The most western area of coastal heath.

Open skies Overview: Main issues: and distant views create a An area of open, rugged and spectacular coastal 1. Inappropriate grazing levels, particularly lack of remote and heath providing extensive views from the higher cattle is enabling scrub and gorse invasion. tranquil land over a variety of landscapes. There is some 2. Rhododendron. landscape potential to improve the quality of coastal heath 3. Some visually intrusive “clutter” including car- and enhance the condition of the landscape. parks on Holdstone Down. 4. Unauthorised motor bikes causing erosion. Principal interests: 5. Threat to burial cairns and standing stones Landscape - exceptional landscape of open and from erosion following illegal burns. rugged character with striking views in all directions. 6. Poor maintenance of some stone walls. Historic environment - On Holdstone Down and 7. Scrubbing up of historic sites. Martinhoe Trentishoe, there is a complex historic landscape Roman fortlet containing evidence of prehistoric settlement and (©English farming, a failed Victorian holiday village and Heritage) Victorian Parliamentary Inclosure when the Potential actions: commoners of Combe Martin subverted the 1. Scrub, gorse and Parliamentary Inclosure Act. A recent discovery at rhododendron Little Hangman of a possible early prehistoric controlled in specific High Brown Fritillary enclosure highlights the wealth of archaeological locations including the south evidence here. side of Holdstone Down and on historic sites. Ecological - good quality coastal heath, with 2. Investigate whether providing cattle grids significant colonies of High Brown Fritillary would encourage grazing. butterflies in south facing bracken dominated 3. Review grazing levels on Cherryford Hill to Open, slopes. Supports an excellent assemblage of birds enhance archaeology. rugged and associated with coastal heathland including 4. Consider removing fence lines on moorland / spectacular stonechat, whitethroat, willow warbler and the most former moorland to create more open coastal heath western Exmoor population of Dartford warbler. landscape character (Martinhoe Common). at Holdstone Extensive areas notified as Exmoor Coastal Heaths 5. Manage bracken for High Brown Fritillaries. Down SSSI and includes unit no.3 considered to be in favourable condition in June 2010. 6. Ensure traditional swaling. Access - contains part of the SW Coast Path and Tarka Trail. The area is accessible from Combe Martin Additional notes: and car parks to the east of Holdstone Down. Potential for more interpretation and information.

10 11 Unit 2: Central Coastal Heaths This is an almost isolated unit, adjacent to the coast, and close to units 6 and 7 on its south-eastern edge.

Spectacular Overview: Main issues: coastal views An area of diverse character, providing views of 1. Highway corridor affected by 20th century open landscapes and seascapes from many vantage fences and infrastructure including the toilet points including the main highway (A39). The high block at County Gate/Cosgate Hill. hogs-backed cliffs are a feature of the landscape. 2. Fragmented heathland. 3. Lack of grazing at County Principal interests: Gate affecting Landscape - a mix of coastal heath, former moorland Archaeological sites and enclosed land crossed by the A39. Exceptional 4. Invasive views over the Bristol Channel and Exmoor coast. rhododendron on

The Valley of Rocks is a separate and extremely coastal cliffs (largely County Gate toilets important site of extraordinary landscape and outside unit). Fencing in the geological interest. The remote rugged character of Valley of 5. Spred of bracken in Valley of Rocks Rocks the valley has been affected in recent years by incremental development of car parks and fences. Historic environment - This unit includes an extensive, clearly defined and cohesive prehistoric landscape Potential actions: within the Valley of Rocks. Countisbury contains a 1. Consider reversion to grass/heath mosaic on remarkable concentration of late prehistoric some “improved land”. enclosures, barrows, and a possible early medieval site. 2. Enhance and improve the views from the A39 Ecological - cliffs and coastal heaths with the corridor. opportunity to link fragmented heathland. The High 3. Consider controlling scrub at sites identified Brown Fritillary sites are historic but have the on unit map. potential for restoration and currently support other 4. Retain bracken and manage, for High Brown Important coastal heath fritillary species. The area supports a good Fritillaries, east of Hall Farm. at Cosgate assemblage of moorland breeding birds including 5. Consider potential to create more open views stonechat and Dartford warbler. Rare lichen from Old Burrow Hill. communities are found within the Valley of Rocks. 6. Control and remove rhododendron. Parts of this unit are notified and form part of the 7. Consider potential for grazing at Cosgate Exmoor Coastal Heaths SSSI including unit 7 considered to be in unfavourable recovering 8. Support traditional swaling on heaths. condition in June 2010. 9. Assess potential to reduce fencing in Valley of Access - Easy access from the SW Coast Path and Rocks, minimise impact of car parks and from the car parks adjacent to the main road (A39). control bracken.

12 13 Unit 3: Selworthy, Bossington and North Hill An isolated unit on the coast.

Spectacular Overview: Main issues: views over PorlockVale Areas of coastal heath inter-woven with an 1. Scrub threatening open landscape character and some historic farmed landscape providing spectacular historic sites. views and enjoying easy access. There is the 2. Difficulty in providing grazing due to location, potential to improve the condition of the fragmentation, bracken and gorse. landscape including the archaeological sites 3. Ongoing issue with Rhododendron encroachment and through removal of invasive gorse, difficulties in controlling it due to steepness of coastal rhododendron and scrub. slopes and organic status of site. 4. Proximity to urban areas increases problems including Principal interests: associated with dogs. Landscape - An important mix of open heath 5. Parking areas in poor condition. with spectacular views over Porlock Vale and the Scrub threatening coast. Potential actions: open Historic environment - Rich in archaeological 1. Encourage reversion of some improved land to a landscape sites including Iron Age hill-slope enclosures, heath/unimproved grass sward. character medieval deserted farmsteads and associated 2. Control and eradicate rhododendron. field systems. North Hill is especially important as it contains a relict WWII military training 3. Encourage appropriate grazing on heathland. landscape. Tree planting in the far east of the 4. Restore habitat for High Brown Fritillaries and woodland unit is an example of 19th century landscape for nightjars. enhancement by the Luttrell family. 5. Control and remove gorse, especially European gorse, Ecological - important species include nightjars and scrub on higher land to retain open landscape (east end) and Dartford warblers. There are character as identified on unit map, but retain some scrub for breeding birds, including Dartford warblers. Landscape significant lichen species on scattered scrub. rich in The coastal heath and cliffs provide important 6. Improve car parks and parking. archaeological habitats for both typical species and rare 7. Rationalise signage. sites such as endemic whitebeams. Extensive areas are within 8. Ensure traditional swaling. Burgundy the Exmoor Coastal Heaths SSSI including units 9. Investigate potential to create links south from Coast Path. Chapel 16, 18, 23 and 25 all of which are considered to be in unfavourable recovering condition. 10. Scrrub control on historic sites. Access - good access from Minehead and numerous car parks. Close to Minehead. Crossed Additional notes: by the SW Coast Path. Extreme sports such as hang gliding causing concern to some landowners.

14 15 Unit 4: Ilkerton Ridge, Hoaroak and Furzehill Contiguous with units 5, 11 and 12/13 and on the northern edge of the former Royal Forest.

Potential to Overview: Main issues: restore and extend A remote and quiet area which is part of the main, 1. High stocking levels in recent past has restricted heathland northern, moorland block. It will be important to height and extent of heathland species habitat retain its tranquil and remote character. 2. Poor quality heathland in some areas degraded due to invasion of gorse and scrub, Principal interests: especially the northern part of Ilkerton Ridge. Landscape - a prominent finger of moorland 3. Some visually intrusive fencing on open stretching north into the lower lying farm land. moorland. High, wild and open in character. 4. Prehistoric sites in poor management. Historic environment - A complex and extensive prehistoric ritual and settlement landscape with Potential actions: remarkable survival. The ruins of Hoaroak cottage The remains 1. Control and remove invasive scrub and of Hoaroak and its associated relict field system are a rare European gorse. example of historic moorland enclosure. Cottage 2. Encourage appropriate level of grazing. Ecological - An extensive area of heath with 3. Remove visually intrusive fences where practical. opportunities to improve its quality and extent. The majority of this moorland unit is notified and forms 4. Manage archaeological sites. part of North Exmoor SSSI (includes units 46, 47 and 5. Maintain remote character of Hoaroak. 48). 6. Ensure traditional swaling on heathland areas. Access - limited access from tracks and bridleways . 7. Assess potential for peatland restoration.

Additional notes: Important water catchment and some peat Remote and resources. quiet moorland character.

16 17 Unit 5: Brendon Common Contiguous with units 4, 6 and 12/13 and part of the Northern Forest.

A traditionally Overview: Main issues: managed moorland An excellent example of heather moorland 1. Bracken encroachment, especially on landscape containing most of the characteristic species and archaeological sites. providing an open, extensive and beautiful 2. Erosion at well used sites (e.g. Lankcombe Ford landscape. Maintain its current character and and alongside Badgworthy Water). management regime. 3. Some visually intrusive car parking. 4. Intensive use of some rights of way especially Principal interests: horse riding in the Doone Valley. Landscape - An outstanding area of high open 5. Rhododendron invasion through Doone Valley. moorland, with streams and combes Historic environment - The area is well known for its Potential actions: association with RD Blackmore’s Lorna Doone; the A small remarkably well preserved deserted medieval 1. On Brendon Common, consider rationalisation population of of “pull-ins”, improve the condition of existing breeding settlement at Badgworthy Water was the inspiration Snipe occurs for the Doone village. The area also contains a car parks and prevent unauthorised vehicle on Brendon wealth of other archaeological sites which include access onto open moorland. Common Mesolithic hunter gatherer sites, Bronze Age burial 2. Consider proposal to reduce visual impact if and ritual monuments and WWII firing ranges. car parking at Lankcombe Ecological - An area of high quality moorland 3. Consider potential for mire restoration. including blanket bog and valley mires with 4. Control bracken where it has no ecological associated species. Supports a small population of value. breeding snipe and excellent assemblage of other 5. Control invading rhododendron. moorland birds including stonechat, wheatear, 6. Ensure traditional swaling. whinchat and grasshopper warbler. Area previously Extensive 7. Control gorse. views across held important Heath Fritillary sites. The majority of this unit falls within the North Exmoor SSSI 8. Increase grazing levels to control vegetation the open on archaeological sites moorland of (including units 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43). Brendon Access - A popular area for walking and horse riding, Common. it is served by six car parks on the B3223, the Tarka Additional notes: Trail and the Two Moors Way and numerous It is a Common and generally in good bridleways. management. It has significant peat resources and is a water catchment.

18 19 Unit 6: Deer Park And Mill Hill Contiguous with units 4, 6 and 12/13 and part of the Northern Forest.

Looking south Overview: Main issues: east to Mill 1. Rhododendron affecting semi natural habitats. Hill Extensive areas of scenic heather moorland fragmented by recently improved farmland. There is 2. Twentieth century loss of some moorland to the potential to link existing fragments and improve “improved” grassland visitor infrastructure. 3. Visual impact of fencing and infrastructure at Weir Water

Principal interests: Landscape - A high quality historic landscape with Potential actions: potential to enhance condition. 1. Work with land owner to review provision of infrastructure for disabled visitors. Historic environment - Good prehistoric sites 2. Control invading rhododendron. coupled with evidence for medieval and post- Rhododendron in 3. Consider opportunities to revert grassland to the DooneValley medieval agricultural development. heathland/extensive grassland on former Ecological - Good examples of former moorland moorland sites and develop proposal for future that would benefit from restoration of semi-natural of conifer plantations. vegetation to provide links between the main 4. Continue traditional swaling. blocks. Supports good bird assemblage including 5. Consider opportunities to create semi-natural stonechat, whinchat and wheatear, and is a key habitats within Combes on former moorland historical site for ring ouzel which no longer breed at Stowey. on Exmoor. Extensive areas are notified and are within the North Exmoor SSSI. Access - Includes one of the least visited areas (Mill Additional notes: Hill), as well as some of the busiest sites such as the Fertiliser levels, on improved farm land may be impacting on water quality. Deer fencing Doone Valley and Robbers Bridge. in the Weir WaterValley

20 21 Unit 7: Porlock Common Contiguous with units 2, 6, 8/9 and 12/13 and located on the Northern Forest.

Looking east Overview: Main issues: from Hawkcombe A beautiful stretch of heathland with spectacular views over 1. Roads are a deterrent to providing Head with the Porlock Vale. There is the potential to improve management grazing animals. powerline through increased grazing, swaling and scrub control, and 2. Visually intrusive power lines. running to enhance the visual quality of the landscape. through the 3. Invading gorse especially close to the A39. valley 4. Car parking, especially at Whitstone Post, Principal interests: is visually intrusive and in poor condition. Landscape - Extensive moorland with many popular 5. Vehicle access to moorland, particularly viewpoints. Strong relationship with surrounding woodland at Hawkcombe Head. and farmland. 6. Lack of swaling in recent years. Historic environment - Porlock Common and Allotment has Excavating significant concentrations of enclosed and unenclosed Potential actions: prehistoric settlement and ritual monuments dating from mesolithic 1. Take opportunities to restore areas of flint site at the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. The Mesolithic hunter heathland and herb rich grassland. Hawkcombe gatherer site at Hawkcombe Head is nationally important, Head yielding evidence for 8000 year old structures as well as 2. Control and remove scrub where this does large assemblages of flint tools. not compromise important bird habitat. Ecological - Extensive heathland habitats, including 3. Review car parking and re-bank car parks. interfaces with native woodland providing sites for Heath 4. Some opportunities to restore mires. Fritillary butterflies. Supports excellent breeding bird 5. Ensure traditional swaling. assemblage including stonechat, whinchat, willow warbler, 6. Take opportunities to underground lesser redpoll, redstart, and Dartford warbler. The majority of powerlines. the heathland is notified and forms part of the North Exmoor SSSI (includes units 27 and 28). Car parks at Additional notes: Porlock Access - Relatively easy access from roads and car parks. Limited peat resource. Important water Common catchment.

22 23 Unit 8/9: Dunkery A large unit, contiguous with units 7 and 10.

Extensive Overview: Main issues: moorland views An iconic landscape, attracting lots of visitors to climb to 1. European gorse, scrub and rhododendron surround Dunkery Beacon to enjoy the impressive views. Important damaging archaeological sights and Dunkery to maintain openness of landscape, manage invading changing the landscape. scrub / gorse and bracken and address erosion from visitor 2. Heathland/woodland edges are very pressure. important for Heath Fritillary. 3. Certain areas of bracken were important Principal interests: historically for High Brown Fritillary. Landscape - A famous landscape dominating the sky-line 4. Bracken invading some slopes. and providing an impressive range of vegetation from 5. Some paths suffering from erosion. heather dominated moorland to woodland. 6. Unauthorised vehicle damage to Historic environment - This unit includes a geographically The iconic moorland. Dunkery vast and archaeologically diverse landscape ranging from beacon. the early prehistoric to the medieval periods. It contains, for examples, a medieval hamlet at Ley Hill, Bronze Age Potential actions: and medieval settlements at Sweetworthy, Bagley and 1. Review paths and provision of visitor Mansley Combe which demonstrate continuity of access. settlement from prehistory to the medieval period, 2. Encourage heather management, impressive ridge top barrow cemeteries on Dunkery itself including swaling and grazing. and iron working at Brockwell Pits. 3. Restore mire sites. Ecological - Extensive heather dominated moorland, 4. Continue to pro-actively manage for ranging from mires to dry heath. Important woodland Heath Fritillary. edges where Heath Fritillary colonies were once frequent. 5. Control and remove European gorse, Excellent assemblage of moorland breeding birds Numerous bracken and scrub where it has no footpaths including waders, largest concentration of Dartford ecological value, taking into account key provide access warblers on Exmoor (including highest breeding pair in importance of this area for breeding to the Southwest England), stonechat, whinchat and redstart. Dartford warbler and stonechat and for Dunkery Historical site for breeding ring ouzel and red grouse. The Heath Fritillaries. moorlands unit includes SSSI units 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, 25 and 26 whose condition is considered to be “unfavourable recovering”. Additional notes: Access - Easy access, parking at Dunkery Gate and Some peat resource. It provides an important numerous rights of way many leading to the summit of water catchment. Dunkery Beacon.

24 25 Unit 10: Codsend Moor and Downscombe Bog A relatively small unit to the southern edge of Dunkery and contiguous with unit 8/9

Cattle grazing Overview: Main issues: helps to maintain the An extensive area of heather and grass moorland, 1. Exceptional and fragile historic environment. Marsh south facing and providing a high quality and an 2. Some areas of peat are drying out through Fritillary exceptionally tranquil landscape. Important to drainage. habitat retain historic character of Codsend and take 3. Some areas of erosion on Prescott Down. opportunities to link fragmented areas of moorland. 4. Multiple ownership at Codsend and sites remote from main holding deters grazing management. Principal interests: 5. Bracken invasion. Landscape - A high quality historic landscape with 6. Severe heather beetle damage at Kitnor Heath. an open uncluttered character.

Heather Historic environment - This unit includes areas of beetle damage extensive and exceptionally well preserved Potential actions: on Kitnor archaeology. The multi-phase field systems are Heath unique on Exmoor and the association between the 1. Some opportunities to restore heathland and range of site types such as field systems, settlement extensive grassland. and funerary monuments from the prehistoric to 2. Control bracken where invading heathland the 19th century is remarkable. sites and damaging archaeology. Ecological - The wetter heathland retains a remnant 3. Repair and maintain stone faced banks. population of breeding waders and is very 4. Maintain cattle grazing and ensure correct important for Marsh Fritillaries, being the key grazing regime for the important Marsh remaining site on Exmoor. There are also important Fritillary colonies. areas of blanket bog and dry heathland. Parts of this 5. Explore potential for mire restoration. moorland unit are notified and form part of the New cattle 6. Ensure traditional swaling on heaths. handling North Exmoor SSSI and includes SSSI units 14, 15, 16, facilities on 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21. The majority of these SSSI units Codsend were considered to be in unfavourable recovering Moor condition in June 2010. Access - Limited access opportunities although part is Open Access land

26 27 Unit 11: Butter Hill, Chapman’s Barrow and Radworthy Contiguous with units 4 and 12/13, to the north west of the Exmoor Forest.

Game rearing Overview: Main issues: close to unit 11 An out-lying area of moorland on the western edge 1. Historic loss of moorland character. of the Exmoor Forest that has been fragmented by 2. Some visually intrusive game rearing plots and agricultural improvement. There may be some infrastructure adjacent to moorland. potential for areas of semi natural habitats to be 3. Fences within the formerly open landscape restored. (eg Caffyns Heaton Down).

Principal interests: Potential actions: Landscape - An impressive historic landscape with 1. Encourage restoration of semi-natural the opportunity to restore semi-natural vegetation vegetation on former moorland sites and and improve the moorland edge. continue management of fritillary sites. Historic environment - Contains fine examples of Important to 2. Provide improved management of maintain High multi- phase prehistoric ritual sites and provides views archaeological sites. over historic landscapes. A number of good examples Brown 3. Take opportunities to remove or rationalise Fritillary sites of medieval and possibly earlier field systems, fencing. including those at Radworthy. Ecological - Important areas in the Heddon Valley Additional notes: for High Brown Fritillary butterfly and opportunities to restore a range of semi-natural vegetation, Some limited peat resources that might benefit from particularly areas of former moorland. rewetting.

First edition Ordnance Survey map showing open character of common in late nineteenth century.

28 29 Unit 12/13: The Chains, Exe Plain, Warren and Larkbarrow Large sweep of moorland made up of the northern part of the former Exmoor Forest. Contiguous with units 4, 5, 6. 7, 11, 14. Knight Overview: Main issues: enclosure on the former An extensive area of exceptional tranquillity including 1. Some archaeological sites in particularly fragile Exmoor substantial areas of blanket bog. Potential to continue condition and require management. Forest to diversify vegetation through appropriate land 2. Openness of moorland affected by internal management. fences 3. Intensive management of moorland fringe. Principal interests: Landscape - An exceptional mix of expansive Potential actions: Mollinia dominated moorland and combes with a relic 19 century landscape of Knight enclosure. 1. Opportunities to further restore mire systems. 2. Less intensive management of adjacent Distinctive Historic environment - Five areas of archaeological Knight importance including areas of palaeo-environmental improved grassland, could have ecological farmhouse at significance, prehistoric monument complexess as benefit. Warren farm well as relict 19th century landscapes. 3. Retain and enhance Pinkery canal. Ecological - Extensive areas of moorland, blanket bogs and valley mires with associated species such 4. Improve management of archaeological sites as breeding waders. The Exe Plain area has 5. Identify most visually intrusive fences and take undergone extensive recent restoration as part of opportunities to rationalise. the Exmoor Mire Project. 6. Support heathland restoration trials at Warren Access - Relatively easy access in the centre and western end from car parking on the B3223, bridleways and longer trails (Two Moors Way, Tarka Additional notes: The Forest Trail and the Macmillan Way West. Deep peat and important water catchment. supports good numbers of red deer

30 31 Unit 14: Southern Exmoor Forest Large sweep of moorland in southern part of the former Exmoor Forest. Contiguous with units 15 & 18.

Looking Overview: Main issues: North from Burkham A prominent area of moorland with an extensive 1. Openness of moorland affected by fences in across interface with historic enclosed farm land. Some certain locations. towards the potential for mire restoration. 2. Purple moor grass dominates vegetation as a northern result of historic burning and drainage. Exmoor Forest 3. Bracken encroachment along Barle Valley and Principal interests: spread of invasive Montbretia. Landscape - Open grass moorland, strongly 4. Unauthorised vehicle access including quad influenced by adjacent farmland with its distinctive bikes has damaged some archaeological sites beech hedges and rectangular fields. (e.g. Cow Castle). Historic environment - Particularly rich in Fortescue archaeological sites (8 areas identified). Strong Memorial presence of historic Knight landscape. Potential actions: stone Ecological - Extensive areas of moorland, bogs and 1. Opportunities to further restore mire systems. valley mires with associated species such as 2. Control invading scrub, bracken, knotweed breeding waders. Sites such as Squallacombe, Long and Montbretia . Holcombe and Hangley Cleave have undergone 3. Restrict vehicle access where causing erosion. extensive recent restoration as part of the Exmoor Mire Project. 4. Identify and rationalise visually intrusive fences. Access - Well visited in parts, particularly along the River Barle between Simonsbath and Sherdon Hutch. Other areas little visited.

The moorland Valleys provide opportunities to explore remote landscapes

32 33 Unit 15: Southern Commons Area of moorland and former moorland adjacent to the southern Exmoor Forest

There may be Overview: Main issues: potential to create a more High land on the southern rim of Exmoor with 1. Relatively recent fragmentation of semi-natural open far reaching views to the south, made up of vegetation, with large areas of former heathland. character fragments of once extensive moorland. 2. Spectacular views to the south but sense of openness Potential to increase the areas of semi-natural reduced by twentieth century enclosure. vegetation and restore open character of former moorland. Potential actions: 1. Recreate / restore areas of unimproved grassland, Principal interests: heath, bog and mire, especially where they link to Landscape - Extensive views to the south and existing heathland sites. south-west, affected in some locations by Spectacular 2. Take opportunities to remove visually intrusive fences. game rearing infrastructure and wire fences. view south 3. Secure appropriate grazing at Shoulsbury Castle. from the Historic environment - Many archaeological southern sites centred on Five Burrows Hill and remains Additional notes: ridge of of Roman iron smelting at Sherracombe Ford. Exmoor Some areas of deep peat. Ecological - Fragments of heathland and mires, with adjacent extensive areas of former heathland. Access - Public access routes include the Tarka Trail, Sustrans Route 5 and Macmillan Way West.

Shoulsbury Castle

34 35 Unit 16: North Molton Ridge and Barcombe Down Spur of moorland to the south west of the National Park.

The remains Overview: Main issues: of Darlick Farm Fragments of former moorland with potential to 1. Habitat potentially suitable for breeding © English increase extent waders. Curlew recorded by RSPB in 2008 Heritage survey on North Molton Ridge. 2. Potential to create more open landcape Principal interests: character Landscape - Significant views from North Molton Ridge and Barcombe Down. Historic environment - Ridgetop barrows, medieval Potential actions: settlements and enclosures at Darlick Moor. 1. Explore potential to remove fencing, including Ecological - Fragments of heath that could be to the south of Sandyway Cross Curlew were restored and enlarged. North Molton Ridge has 2. Encourage heathland restoration recorded on historical breeding wader records. opportunities. North Molton Access - Limited access opportunities 3. Review fencing around archaeological sites. Ridge in 2008 4. Review grazing pressure on or close to archaeological sites.

Formerly open landscape now enclosed at Three Corner Piece

36 37 Unit 17: Molland Moor, East/West Anstey Extensive moorland ridge to the south west of Exmoor

Popular Overview: Main issues: moorland for walking and A prominent ridge of moorland on the southern edge 1. Some car parks in poor condition and easy access for riding of Exmoor with far reaching views to the south across unauthorised vehicles to the moorland Devon and extensive areas of important heathland. 2. Scrub invading and affecting views 3. Low grazing levels on parts of the unit including some Principal interests: archaeological sites Landscape - Striking views from road which runs the 4. Significant outbreaks of heather beetle during summer length of the ridge, across Devon to Dartmoor. 2010 and 2011 Heather and grass moorland with distinctive 5. Striking views to the South over Devon landscape scattered hawthorns, ponies frequently seen. 6. Erosion on Rhiney Moor Historic environment - A number of archaeological sites with easy access. An area of ridge and furrow can Gorse on Potential actions: Anstey be seen at Whiterocks Down. 1. Review impact of public access including pony trekking. Common Ecological - Key area of moorland within southern Exmoor with excellent system of valley mires 2. Control and remove scrub supporting breeding waders. 3. Rationalise parking, prevent vehicle access to moorland and Access - a well visited area, providing spectacular consider track reinstatement views from numerous car parks and “pull ins”. 4. Develop restoration plan for area surrounding Froude Stone 5. Ensure continuation of traditional swaling 6. Develop proposal to restore damage caused by heather beetle 7. Prevent intrusive development in setting of National Park

Erosion at Froude Stone

38 39 Unit 18: Withypool, Halscombe and Humber’s Ball Distinct unit to the south west of Withypool.

Stone Circle Overview: Main issues: on Withypool Hill A complex unit comprising areas of extensive 1. Increase in intrusive scrub and gorse within heather moorland to the north and partly improved combes and some slopes grass moor to the south. A strikingly beautiful area 2. Erosion at Sherdon Hutch and around but with potential to improve the extent of Landacre Bridge moorland character. 3. Poor condition of barrows and stone circle. 4. Impact of heather beetle Principal interests: 5. Informal parking on moorland. 6. Visual intrusion of power lines and poles. Landscape - A diverse Unit with rolling heathland, intimate combes and sweep of grass moorland to 7. Possible adverse impact on spawning grounds the south. from horses at bridleway crossing near Landacre Sherdon Hutch. Bridge Historic environment - Numerous archaeological sites. Ecological - An area supporting important fish spawning grounds and good moorland breeding bird populations. Potential actions: Access - a well visited area including Sherdon Hutch 1. Ensure traditional swaling and scrub control and Landacre Bridge. across Common 2. Management of landscape surrounding Sherdon Hutch, to enhance visitor experience 3. Manage vegetation on archaeological sites. 4. Underground intrusive power lines 5. Assess impact of horses on spawning grounds. Exmoor ponies on Withypool Common

40 41 Unit 19: Winsford Hill Discrete unit surrounded by farmland to the south of the National Park

The B3223 Overview: Main issues: crosses Winsford Hill A detached area of moorland, immediately surrounded by 1. Invading bracken, gorse, trees and wooded valleys and farmland, with extensive views from the scrub. road which crosses the hill. Potential to restore more open 2. Damage to archaeological sites from character through scrub and bracken control. vehicles and under grazing, some erosion of Wambarrows. 3. Roads deter the provision of stock Principal interests: Landscape - heather moorland, with many informal car parks which provide a variety of views across Exmoor’s diverse Potential actions: landscapes. 1. Control gorse bracken and scrub while Caractacus Historic environment - very important sites many of which taking into account needs of moorland Stone are in poor condition. bird species. Ecological - Important moorland site which supports key 2. Restrict vehicle access on breeding moorland birds. archaeological sites. Access - easy access from car parks alongside the B3223. 3. Support swaling across moorland.

Bracken on the northern slopes of Winsford Hill

42 43 Unit 20: Grabbist Ridge Small area of heath to the south of Minehead

Heath Overview: Main issues: Fritillary on Alcombe Ridge of former moorland, now dominated by 1. Management of remaining heathland within Common conifer plantations. Extensive views to north and context of plantation and invading scrub south from open areas. 2. Important Heath Fritillary butterfly colonies. 3. Lack of grazing 4. Multiple land ownership Principal interests: 5. Disconnected from active graziers Landscape - Stunning views over Dunster and Avill Valley from the ridge, interesting elements of former designed landscape associated with Dunster Castle. Potential actions: Historic environment - Hillfort and flint knapping 1. Develop long term strategy with community sites. View to and landowners / managers Grabbist Ecological - Nationally important colonies of Heath 2. Investigate potential for grazing on the site. Ridge showing Fritillary butterfly and key moorland breeding birds; extent of area of heathland has been extended and linked 3. Continue to carry out active management for conifer through conversion of conifer plantation. Heath Fritillary butterfly such as swaling, scrub plantations control and bracken management. Access - Heavily used by walkers, riders and increasingly by mountain bikers. 4. Maintain historic character of site through management of landscape features such as walls, banks and viewpoints.

Butterfly monitoring on Alcombe Common

44 45 Unit 21: Dunster Heaths A complex series of heaths with conifer plantations to the north east of the National Park

Overhead wires Overview: Main issues: cross Timberscombe Heavily forested former heathland with 1. Trees, rhododendron, bracken and gorse invading Common remnant areas of moorland on Withycombe open moorland. Common, Gallox Hill and Rodhuish Common. 2. Remnants of significant designed landscape at Potential to become fully wooded or to Dunster Deer Park restore significant, sustainable areas of 3. Visually intrusive power lines on Timberscombe moorland. Common 4. Important woodland edge for Heath Fritillaries. Principal interests: 5. Vegetation encroachment on the hill forts. Landscape - Isolated open areas surrounded by forestry plantations. Potential actions: Historic environment - Important Striking views 1. Control invading rhododendron and scrub on archaeological sites, including some within from Dunster moorland areas Deer Park the plantations. Hillforts at Black Ball and Bat’s into mixed Castle as well as prehistoric field system at 2. Open up plantations to link areas of moorland and plantations on Dumbledeer. other open areas and to maintain habitat for nightjars. Wootton 3. Assess potential to reinstate grazing on moorland. Ridge Ecological - Extensive area of heathland and adjoining plantation which supports nightjar 4. Underground powerline on Timberscombe Common and Heath Fritillary butterfly in certain 5. Develop landscape restoration plan for Dunster Deer woodland/heathland edges. Park incorporating restoration of parkland character Access - A well visited area with car parking, and features bike trails and numerous rights of way.

Elements of former designed landscape within Dunster Deer Park

46 47 Unit 22: Haddon Hill An outlying unit in the southern part of the Brendons

Development Overview: Main issues: of scrub on Haddon Hill Isolated area of heather moorland to south of the 1. Rhododendron invasion from adjoining Brendons, with views over a relatively intensively Haddon Wood. farmed landscape and Wimbleball Reservoir. 2. Significant scrub encroachment 3. Visually intrusive plantation to north. 4. Localised erosion from vehicular access Principal interests: 5. Impact of heather beetle in summer 2010 Landscape - A small area whose character is dominated by surrounding land use. Heavily used by the public with resulting in localised areas of erosion. Scrub invasion affecting its quality and Potential actions: condition. 1. Remove remaining conifer woodland at Swaling on Hadborough Plantation. Haddon Historic environment - WWII and prehistoric sites. 2. Control invasive scrub and rhododendron. Ecological - Key heathland site in the south-east of Exmoor, supporting key species such as nationally 3. Maintain habitat for Heath Fritillary. important Heath Fritillary butterfly, Dartford warbler, 4. Control vehicular access. nightjar and rare heathland plants. Heathland has 5. Ensure traditional swaling. been extended through restoration of part of 6. Maintain and improve car park. Hadborough Plantation and restored through scrub 7. Consider undergrounding powerlines control in eastern part of site Access - Extensive public access, car park with toilets

Views over farmed land and Wimbleball Reservoir

48 49 50 References

1. Moorlands at a Crossroads. The state of the Moorlands of Exmoor, a report to the Exmoor Society by Land Use Consultants, 2004.

2. Land Use Survey of Exmoor by Geoffrey Sinclair, 1966.

3. Assessment of the Areas of Exceptional Archaeological and Historical Importance, Exmoor National Park ’ by Fyfe, R and Adams, H 2008 Unpublished report commissioned by Exmoor National Park Authority

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