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Home , Bideford Bay, Braunton Burrows, Cruwys Morchard, Exmoor, Hurlstone Point, North Devon Coast

North and Seascape Character Assessment

Final Report

Prepared by LUC on behalf of , Coast AONB, Exmoor , North Devon Council, Council and Natural

November 2015

© Neville Stanikk Project Title: North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Client: National Trust, AONB, Exmoor National Park, North Devon & Torridge Councils and

Version Date Version Details Prepared by Checked by Approved by

V1.0 4.11.15 Final draft report sent to Steering Group for comments Sally Parker Sally Parker Kate Ahern

Mary Jansson Lucie Dingwall

V2.0 12.11.15 Final report for online publication Sally Parker Sally Parker Kate Ahern

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Final Report

Prepared by LUC on behalf of National Trust, North Devon Coast AONB, Exmoor National Park Authority, North Devon Council, Torridge District Council and Natural England

November 2015

Planning & EIA LUC BRISTOL Land Use Consultants Ltd Design 12th Floor Colston Tower Registered in England Registered number: 2549296 Landscape Planning Colston Street Bristol Registered Office: Landscape Management BS1 4XE 43 Chalton Street Ecology T +44 (0)117 929 1997 London NW1 1JD FS 566056 EMS 566057 LUC uses 100% recycled paper Mapping & Visualisation [email protected]

Offices also in London Glasgow Edinburgh Contents

1 Introduction 1 SCA 18: Burrows and Coast 142 SCA 19: Taw-Torridge 149 2 Method 5 SCA 20: Northam Burrows and Westward Ho! 156 Introduction to this chapter 5 SCA 21: Coast 163 SCA 22: Coast 170 3 Overview of character and the visual resource provided by SCA 23: Inner Bay 177 the North Devon and Exmoor seascape 12 SCA 24: Hartland North Coast 182 Introduction to this chapter 12 SCA 25: Hartland Atlantic Coast 189 Understanding the visual resource provided by the North Devon SCA 26: Hartland Race 196 and Exmoor seascape 19 SCA 27: South 201

4 The Seascape Character Assessment classification 25 Appendix 1 : Bibliography and data list 207

5 Seascape Character Area profiles 37 Appendix 2: Summary key characteristics for Seascape Character SCA 1: Harbour to 38 Types 211 SCA 2: Bay 44 SCA 3: Central 50 Appendix 3: Individuals and organisations who contributed to this SCA 4: Gore Point to Countisbury Cove 55 study 222 SCA 5: The Foreland and Bay 60 Stakeholder workshops 222 SCA 6: 67 Other consultation 224 SCA 8: Woody Bay to Little Hangman 79 SCA 9: Lower Bristol Channel 85 SCA 10: and Bays 90 SCA 11: Ilfracombe to Morte Point 97 SCA 12: Bay 104 SCA 13: Horseshoe Rocks 111 SCA 14: Outer 116 SCA 15: Lundy 122 SCA 16: Lundy North 129 SCA 17: Bay & 135 1 Introduction

© Joshua Day of Exmoor National Park near Minehead, including the 1 Introduction Taw/Torridge Estuary and its fringes. It extends offshore to the 12 nautical mile territorial limit, including Lundy and its surrounding waters at the edge of the .

1.6 The study area includes all of the coastal sections of the North 1.1 Seascape is defined by Natural England in the terms of the Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Exmoor European Landscape Convention (ELC) as: National Park. More information on the definition of the study area, including its inland extent, is provided in Chapter 2. “An area of sea, coastline and land, as perceived by people, whose character results from the actions and interactions of land with 1.7 This assessment is based on new primary evidence, supporting sea, by natural and/or human factors”.1 secondary data and engagement of key stakeholders and representatives of the coastal communities of North Devon and 2 1.2 The UK Marine Policy Statement supports this definition of Exmoor. seascape, and adds that in the context of the policy statement: “references to seascape should be taken as meaning landscapes Objectives of this study with views of the coast or seas, and coasts and the adjacent marine environment with cultural, historical and archaeological 1.8 This Seascape Character Assessment will help provide baseline links with each other”. evidence to support a number of important planning, management 1.3 The Bristol Channel and Atlantic approaches is an iconic seascape. and policy activities by project partners (and others) over the There are many protected landscapes along its shores, with special coming years. These include: qualities that rely on their seascape character and setting, as well x Spatial Planning with regard to development both at sea and as their visual and cultural connections with the surrounding sea, on the coast, complementing the published Landscape coastlines and the iconic island of Lundy. This study focuses on a Character Assessments to establish a full land and sea key section of the English side of the shared seascape. Figure 1.1 classification and character evidence base. presents an overview of the study area in the context of the surrounding English and Welsh nationally protected landscapes x Development of the forthcoming Marine Management Plan for and areas of National Trust land which covers over a third of the the South West, by the Marine Management Organisation North Devon and Exmoor coast. (MMO).

1.4 In response to the local context and identified needs, a Steering x Defining the Special Qualities of the coastline of North Devon Group of key local partners was set up to commission a Seascape AONB and Exmoor National Park and the properties of the Character Assessment for North Devon and Exmoor. The longer National Trust. term aspiration is to seek adoption of this Assessment as a x Development of future Management Plans for the AONB, supplementary planning document to the Local Plans. Exmoor National Park and the National Trust properties. 1.5 The area for this study covers some 145km (90 miles) of coast x Assisting developers and planners to make informed decisions between Marsland Mouth on the border to the boundary about offshore developments, including renewables such as wind and tidal energy.

1 Natural England, 2010, All Landscapes Matter Position Statement 2 UK Marine Policy Statement (MPS), 2011, HM Government, Northern Ireland Executive, Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government) North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 1 November 2015 High : 1345.4 Low : -119.8 Study Area Local Authority boundary Beauty Natural Outstanding of Area National Park properties Trust National Elevation (m) Map Scale @ A3:@ Scale Map 1:435,000 North Devon & Exmoor Character Seascape Assessment Figure 1.1: Study ContextArea Source: LUC, Natural England Hills Quantock East Hills Devon

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1.9 This remainder of this report is structured as follows:

x Chapter 2 summarises the method undertaken for this study. x Chapter 3 provides an overview of the character of the North Devon and Exmoor seascape, as well as an assessment of the visual resource it provides to the surrounding landscapes and seascapes.

x Chapter 4 sets out the classification of Seascape Character Areas and Types.

x Chapter 5 provides the full Seascape Character Area profiles, each including key characteristics, special qualities/sensitivities, forces for change and a mapped overview of its visual resource.

x Appendix 1 contains a bibliography and data list. x Appendix 2 provides generic key characteristics for the Seascape Character Types.

x Appendix 3 lists the individuals and organisations who have contributed to this study.

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 3 November 2015 2 Method

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 4 November 2015

© Neville Stanikk final classification of Seascape Character Areas (SCAs) and 2 Method Seascape Character Types (SCTs).

Summary of key steps

Introduction to this chapter Data gathering and assimilation

2.1 The method for undertaking this study follows good practice, 2.5 The first stage of the Seascape Character Assessment involved notably ‘An approach to Seascape Character Assessment’ collating relevant and available desk-based evidence, both in GIS published by Natural England (2012)3 and draws on the format and in the form of reports/literature. A bibliography implementation of seascape character assessments at various (including websites) and data list of the key information sources scales across England and . It particularly aligns with the used by this study is included in Appendix 1. Further information approach advocated and used by the MMO at the strategic scale, was added to the project resource as the study progressed. recognising that this is a detailed 1:25,000 scale study which will 2.6 All of the GIS-based information, including base mapping inform and feed into a future Seascape Assessment for the whole (Ordnance Survey and UK Hydrographic Office marine charts) was of the South West Marine Plan Area. compiled in a logical sequence into an Arc GIS project database, 2.2 The method for undertaking this Seascape Character Assessment structured using headings of ‘Natural’, ‘Cultural/Social’ and comprised six main steps: Perceptual/Aesthetic’ to reflect the main strands of influence on seascape character. x Data gathering and assimilation x Confirming the inland limits of the study area Confirming the inland limits of the study area x Draft classification 2.7 As set out in Chapter 1 and illustrated at Figure 1.1, the study area stretches from the North Devon/Cornish border at Marsland x Field and boat survey Mouth to Minehead harbour (at the eastern limits of Exmoor x Stakeholder engagement National Park), extending offshore to the 12 nautical mile limit, including Lundy and its surrounding waters. It also includes the x Analysis significant seascape feature of the Taw/Torridge Estuary, whose x Reporting estuary mouth forms the natural divide between North Devon district to the north and Torridge to the south. 2.3 The study involved regular consultation and feedback from the Steering Group, with new information and stakeholder values 2.8 An early task was to establish the landward limits of the Seascape feeding into and refining the process as it developed. Character Assessment, whilst acknowledging that visual influences extend to long distances beyond North Devon and Exmoor. These 2.4 This chapter summarises the method undertaken for this study; visual relationships extend to as far as the foothills of the Brecon Chapter 3 presents an overview of seascape character and the Beacons and the south-eastern coast of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales to the north, and into Cornwall to the south. A separate but integral part of this study (discussed in 3 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/seascape-character-assessments-identify-and- Chapter 3) considers and maps these wider visual links. describe-seascape-types

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 5 November 2015 2.9 One of the key objectives of the Seascape Character Assessment is nesting within the landscape character assessment framework to provide a complementary spatial classification and descriptive where appropriate. evidence on character to the published Landscape Character 2.13 It must be noted that this Seascape Character Assessment Assessments covering the surrounding landscapes4. As such, is not intended to replace the Landscape Character exploring how the boundaries of the local authority Landscape Assessments in coastal areas where the studies overlap; Character Types (LCTs) (and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) in instead the two resources should be used together to provide a the case of Exmoor), and county-wide Devon Character Areas fully integrated resource on landscape and seascape character. It adjoin the coast was a key first step in exploring the landward is also important to emphasise that the Landscape Character extent. Assessments include additional information relevant to seascape, 2.10 In discussion with the Steering Group, it was agreed where including for areas of landscape situated some distance inland but possible to use the existing Landscape Character Type boundaries which have views to the sea, such as the elevated North Devon (the finest grain of unit) to inform the landward boundary – often, Downs and Hartland Plateau. Therefore the inland boundary lines but not always, the first one or two units back from the Low Water of this study should not be interpreted as representing an absolute Mark. This exercise sought to ensure that areas of coast with the end to land/sea relationships. strongest immediate relationship with the sea are included in the 2.14 Initial desk-based findings were verified during the field survey study area; for North Devon and Torridge, this encompasses all stage and following inputs from the Steering Group, particularly Landscape Character Types already classified as ‘Coasts’ and considering relationships from the sea back to the land. Further ‘Offshore Islands’5. In Exmoor, a specific coastal classification is information on the final seascape classification is set out and not presented in the current Landscape Character Assessment, but mapped in Chapter 3. again, an inland boundary considered the existing LCA and LCT boundaries in its definition. Draft classification 2.11 Where steeply rising land backs the sea, or elevated summits 2.15 Once the draft study area boundary was defined, the various directly overlook it, these are also included in the study area – spatial layers in GIS were interrogated and viewed together to even if it required ‘cutting through’ a wider LCT or LCA that draw out variations in character. extends much further inland. 2.16 Key information used to inform boundaries of the SCAs and their 2.12 In the case of the Taw/Torridge Estuary, whose natural, cultural components SCTs included: and visual characteristics are strongly shaped by its interrelationships between land and sea, the inland boundary x Water depth (bathymetry) extends up the main estuarine channels to the physical boundaries x Marine features such as shoals, rocks, overfalls provided by Bideford Long Bridge on the Torridge and the Taw Bridge on the Taw, beyond which the influence of the sea in x Tidal streams and wave climate shaping overall character diminishes. As per the approach for the x Bedrock and sediment geology study area as a whole, as explained in para 2.10, fringes of low- lying land surrounding the estuary are included within the SCA, x Marine and intertidal habitats

x Marine use and activities 4 These are the North Devon and Torridge Joint Landscape Character Assessment (2010), Exmoor National Park Landscape Character Assessment (2007), and Devon-wide Character x Perceptual and aesthetic associations including sense of Assessment (2012). remoteness/ tranquillity, shelter/exposure 5 See http://www.devon.gov.uk/landscapecharacter

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 6 November 2015 x Views to and from the coast hoped to help inform further seascape studies in Devon. Generic key characteristics have therefore been prepared for the new 2.17 Overview maps showing some of the above factors that have SCTs, compiled alongside the existing Devon-wide key influenced the seascape classification are presented in Chapter 3. characteristics at Appendix 2. 2.18 A draft classification of Seascape Character Areas (SCAs) and 2.24 The relationship between the Seascape Character Types and Seascape Character Types (SCTs) was produced at this stage, Landscape Character Types is shown at Figure 2.2 at the end of prior to field/boat survey verification and consultation. this chapter. 2.19 These two units are defined as follows: Field and boat survey Seascape Character Areas (SCAs) 2.25 The assessment involved survey by boat and on land, during 2.20 These are defined as ‘single unique areas of character, each with August/September 2015. This included scheduled trips on the MV its own unique character and identity’’6. The final classification Balmoral between Minehead and Ilfracombe, the Waverley paddle defines 27 Seascape Character Areas for North Devon and steamer from Ilfracombe to Lundy, the MS Oldenburg from Exmoor. In defining the SCAs, consideration has been given to Bideford to Ilfracombe, and a private boat charter covering the the spatial relationship with the national-scale Marine Character remaining section between Westward Ho! and the Cornish border. Areas already defined for Wales by Natural Resources Wales7. 2.26 This was a targeted exercise to gather information to supplement 2.21 The relationship between the Seascape Character Areas and and inform the desk based assessment, take photographs, Landscape Character Areas is shown at Figure 2.1 at the end of experience the sea conditions and perceptual qualities and this chapter. understand relationships and interactions between land and sea, Seascape Character Types (SCTs) including the views from the sea to the coast. Opportunities were sought to discuss sea conditions, uses and issues with the boat 2.22 Character Types are ‘distinct types of seascape that are relatively skippers where possible. The National Trust, North Devon AONB homogenous in character. They are generic in character in that and representative from the North Devon Fisheries Local Action they may occur in different areas..’. Each SCA is made up of one Group (FLAG) also participated in some of the surveys to share or more SCT, helping to illustrate the types of seascape that their local knowledge about character and key issues. combine to shape the unique character of the individual areas. A total of 27 SCTs are defined for North Devon and Exmoor, covering 2.27 The seascape classification was adjusted and amended based on the coastal, intertidal and marine parts of the study area. the information from the field and boat surveys.

2.23 As explained previously when describing the inland study area, the Stakeholder engagement existing Landscape Character Types present within the coastal part of the study area were used directly to allow for, wherever 2.28 Understanding what people value about the seascape is a vital part possible, a seamless integration between the seascape and of the study. A combination of workshops and analysis of landscape classifications. This study identifies seven new submissions via the ‘Rate my View’ App were used to gather coastal/intertidal SCTs and four new marine SCTs, which are information on what people value about the different Seascape Character Areas, and the issues/forces for change they felt are

6 Taken from Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002) Landscape Character important for this study to acknowledge. Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland. Prepared by LUC and Carys Swanwick (University of Sheffield). 7 http://www.naturalresources.wales/splash?orig=/MarineCharacterAreas

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 7 November 2015 Workshops Individual consultations

2.29 Three participatory workshops were held in September 2015, in 2.32 In addition to the workshops, individual comments were also on the 8th (to cover North Devon), Bideford on the 9th received. A full list of people and organisations that have provided (to cover Torridge), and Lynmouth on the 17th (for Exmoor). input into this study is included at Appendix 3. These workshops involved an invited audience of local stakeholders, providing an opportunity to present the draft results Final classification and reporting of the work to date and through a series of exercises gather views 2.33 With further guidance by the Steering Group, information from the on: desk study, field survey and workshops was used to generate the x The draft Seascape Character Area classification – boundaries final seascape classification and preparation of the written SCA and locally resonant names. profiles, presented in Chapters 4 and 5 respectively.

x Special Qualities - What people value about each of the Seascape Character Areas / which particular aspects are key to local distinctiveness.

x Forces for change – the key issues people felt were impacting on the special qualities of the different SCAs.

2.30 The workshops generated a large amount of information to feed into the study. They were especially useful in helping to ensure that this work is aligned with the principles of the European Landscape Convention (ELC); identifying the values that need to be considered in informing future change and management. Rate my View (http://ratemyview.co.uk/)

2.31 Rate my View is a smartphone based application (‘app’) which was used by this project to invite people to photograph and comment on landscapes and seascapes within the North Devon AONB, uploading them onto a web-based interactive map. Users of the app are required to submit a photograph taken on their smartphone, provide a rating between one and five stars, three words or phrases describing the view and any additional comments about the photograph or landscape/seascape. The responses collected for this study contributed to the information presented within the ‘Key characteristics’ and ‘Special qualities and key seascape sensitivities’ sections of the SCA profiles (Chapter 5). A total of 116 submissions were received up to the 13th October 2015, of which 82 were within a defined Seascape Character Area.

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 8 November 2015 Devon Character Areas 43: North Devon Coastal Downs Exmoor Landscape Character Areas D2: Southern

11: Broadbury Ridges 44: North Devon Downs A1: Holdstone Down & Trentishoe D3: Winsford Hill North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character 14: Codden Hill and Wooded Estates 45: North Devon High Coast A2: Valley of Rocks D4: Assessment 16: Cruwys Morchard Wooded and Farmed Valleys 53: Farmland A3: The Foreland E1: Porlock - - Minehead

27: Exmoor Fringe 58: Taw-Torr idg e E stuary A4: North Hill F1: Northern

28: Exmoor Fringe 59: Taw Valley B1: Heddon's Mouth F2: Southern Figure 2.1: Relationship

31: Hartland Peninsula 63: Torridge Valley B2: Woody Bay G1: Bray between Seascape and Landscape Character Areas 32: High Culm Ridges 64: Upper Tamar Tributary Valleys B3: Lyn G2: Mole

35: High Taw Farmland 65: West Torridge Upland Farmland B4: - Homer G4: Exe Local Authority boundary

36: High Torridge Culm Plateau 66: Western Culm Plateau B5: Bossington G5: Haddeo Exmoor National Park 38: Lundy 67: and Moor B6: Culver Cliff G6: Avill Seascape Character Areas 3: Bideford Bay Coast C1: Porlock H1: Croydon & Grabbist 01: Minehead Harbour to Hurlstone Point D1: Northern I1: The Brendons 02:

03: Central Bristol Channel

04: Gore Point to Countisbury Cove

05: The Foreland and Lynmouth Bay

06: Valley of Rocks

07: Lee and Woody Bays

08: Woody Bay to Little Hangman 16 03 09: Lower Bristol Channel

09 10: Ilfracombe and Combe Martin Bays 11: Ilfracombe to Morte Point

05 12: Woolacombe Bay 06 04 07 A3 01 13 A2 B3 02 13: Horseshoe Rocks 08 C1 F1 10 B1 F1 15 A1 F1 C1 A4 11 F1 D1 E1 14: Outer Bideford Bay B4 B5 F1 F1 F1 F1 45 E1 D1 D1 15: Lundy 14 F1 H1 E1 F1 B4 16: Lundy North 12 F1 I1 17: Croyde Bay & Baggy Point G6 H1 43 District 17 44 18: and Saunton Coast 27 D2 I1 G1 19: Taw-Torr idg e E stuary F2 F2 18 F2 G1 G2 F2 F2 20: Northam Burrows and Westward Ho! 58 D2 D3 27 19 North F2 F2 D2 21: Abbotsham Coast Devon F2 F2 F2 20 F2 22: Clovelly Coast 23 District F2 F2 D4 24 G4 23: Inner Bideford Bay 21 G5 26 14 53 24: Hartland North Coast 22 3 25: Hartland Atlantic Coast 31 25 26: Hartland Race

27: Lundy South 32 63 Torridge 59 67 District

65 Map Scale @ A3: 1:360,000 66

0 10 20 E km 64 © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:VG EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_022_RPT_SCAs_and_LCAs 04/11/2015 Source: BGS, LUC © Natural England copyright [2015].Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. Service Layer Credits: Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors Sources: Esri, GEBCO, NOAA, National Geographic, DeLorme, HERE, Geonames.org, and other contributors Marine Seascape Character Types North Devon & Exmoor 8A: Rocky Open Waters with Reefs Seascape Character 8B: Coarse Open Waters Assessment

8C: Shallow Inshore Bays

8D: Offshore Tidal Channels Figure 2.2: Relationship between Seascape and Landscape Character Types

01 Seascape Character Areas

Coastal, Intertidal & Landscape Character Types

1B: Coastal Open Plateau 1D: Estate Wooded Ridges & Hilltops 1F: Farmed Lowland and Culm Grassland 2C: Steep Open Slopes 2D: Moorland Edge Slopes 3A: Upper Farmed & Wooded Valley Slopes 3C: Sparsely Settled Farmed Valley Floors 3D: Upland River Valleys 3G: River Valley Slopes & Combes 3H: Secluded Valleys 4A: 8B 03 8D 4B: Marine Levels & Coastal Plains 4C: Coastal Slopes and Combes with 16 8A Settlement 09 4E: Extensive Inter-Tidal Sands 4F: 06 4O 8A 4P 05 4O 4M 4H: Cliffs 4M 13 4O 04 4I: Rocky Foreshores 8A 07 4M 01 4P 4P 08 02 A 4L: Exposed Sandy Bays 10 4M C F F F B 8B 11 7 4M: Sheltered Rocky and Sandy Bays 4O 4C F F 15 F E 4N: Exposed Coastal Waters 14 D 6 F B H 4O: High Energy Coastal Waters 5C 12 West I H 4P: Moderate Energy Coastal Waters 8C 4L 17 Somerset 4Q: Sheltered Coastal Waters 4L 2D District 5A: Inland Elevated Undulating Land D I F 5B: Coastal Undulating Farmland 8B 4B 7 F 4L 18 3H 5C: Downland 19 North Devon 23 D 27 4F 4B D 5D: Estate Wooded Farmland 4A District 4L 7 F 6: Offshore Islands 5C F 20 2D F 7: Main Cities and Towns 4F 1D 2D F Exmoor National Park 4P 24 G 3A 5D A: High Coastal Heaths 4Q 21 7 7 1F B: High Wooded Coasts, Combes and Cleaves 26 4P 5B 22 3G 5D 3A 3A C: Low Farmed Coast and Marsh 3G 3H 5A 1F D: Open Moorland 8A 25 1B 3H E: Farmed and Settled Vale 4N 5A 3H 3A F: Enclosed Farmed Hills with Commons 5A 3A 1F 3H G: Incised Wooded Valleys 3A 3A 3A H: Plantations (with Heathland) Hills 3G 3H 3A Torridge I: Wooded and Farmed Hills with Valleys 1F 3A District 5A 3A 1F 3A Map Scale @ A3: 1:360,000 3A 5A 3A 5D

3A 3A 0 10 20 1F km E 5A © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:VG EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_025_RPT_SCTs_and_LCTs_RevA 04/11/2015 Source: BGS, LUC © Natural England copyright [2015].Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. Service Layer Credits: Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors Sources: Esri, GEBCO, NOAA, National Geographic, DeLorme, HERE, Geonames.org, and other contributors 3 Overview of character and the visual resource provided by the North Devon and Exmoor seascape

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 11 November 2015

© Sally Parker AONB Management Plan (2014-19)8 and page 5 of the Exmoor 3 Overview of character and the National Park Partnership Plan (2012-17)9. visual resource provided by the 3.4 The importance of the seascape is also highlighted in the terrestrial landscape character assessments, which highlight the North Devon and Exmoor important sea views, both framed and panoramic, as well as the special perceptual qualities of wildness and remoteness that this seascape rugged, exposed Atlantic coast edge engenders. These are seascape of great diversity and contrast. 3.5 With the second largest tidal range in the world in the Bristol Channel, and large parts open to the offshore winds, Atlantic swell and strong tidal streams, the marine environment (including the open waters, the seabed and intertidal areas) has a unique character of its own, created by the interaction of both natural and Introduction to this chapter cultural influences. 3.6 The study area includes an enormously varied coastline, a 3.1 This chapter presents an overview of seascape character for the significant proportion of which is dominated by high, rugged cliffs study area as a whole, including a series of thematic maps which populated by colonies of seabirds, including the highest cliffs in help to illustrate the natural and cultural influences that contribute England which run along the West Exmoor coast. Distinctive to character. geomorphological features including cliff faces and headlands display dramatic geological strata and sharply angled formations; 3.2 An overview of the visual resource provided by the North Devon punctuated by small coves, sea caves, waterfalls and often and Exmoor seascapes is also provided, showing the important extensive rocky foreshores and wave-cut platforms. Many of visual relationships between land and sea – also key to character these coastal features provide important habitats supporting and sense of place. The chapter ends with a summary of the final nationally scarce and rare species. Cliff-top maritime grassland classification of the study area into Seascape Character Areas and and heathland, with its characteristic waved appearance is a Seascape Character Types. distinctive seasonally changing feature over much of the area, as are the steep sessile wooded cliffs that drop to the sea at Clovelly and the eastern Exmoor coast, including the aptly named Woody Bay. Overview of seascape character 3.7 The exposed areas of the coast, subject to the powerful winds and 3.3 The seascape of the Bristol Channel and Atlantic approaches is a storms from the Atlantic, contrast with more sheltered sections in unique resource. The coast of North Devon and Exmoor forms one the lee of , and along the enclosed Bristol Channel – of the most valued coastlines in England with some 90 contiguous as well as the unique estuarine environment of the Taw Torridge miles designated as National Park or AONB, as well as four estuary. The extensive internationally designated sand Heritage Coasts including the unique stand-alone Heritage Coast at systems as at Braunton Burrows form one of the largest intact Lundy. Of this coastline more than two-thirds is in National Trust dune sites in Britain; the associated intertidal sand, mud flats and ownership, managed for its conservation importance as well as the saltmarshes fringing the estuary of significant national importance opportunities it provides for public access and enjoyment. The for the overwintering and migratory populations of wading natural beauty on which the designations are founded is

represented by special qualities, many of which rely on the 8 http://www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk/pageresources/Management%20Plan%202014-19.pdf interaction of land and sea – see page 14 of the North Devon 9 http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/?a=260857

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 12 November 2015 they support. This area is the core of the North Devon UNESCO Character Assessment will help future developments of this kind Biosphere Reserve – one of only three sites in England to have consider the special qualities of the seascape in their design and been awarded this international biodiversity designation, which planning stages. also extends offshore to include a large proportion of the study 3.10 The deeper waters of the central Bristol Channel are of strategic area (see Figure 3.4). Expansive sandy beaches at Westward significance; Bristol was once the second most important port after Ho!, Saunton, Woolacombe and Croyde are major tourist draws, London, with historic trading links to Spain and Portugal, the Baltic attracting large numbers of visitors who come for beach holidays States, North Africa, Mediterranean and the point of departure for and to surf. The whole length of coast is crossed by the South exploration to the west, and West Africa. The channel continues to West Coast Path, offering unrivalled opportunities to appreciate provide internationally significant marine transport links and expansive and ever-changing coastal and maritime views – often routes to port facilities including at Avonmouth. Smaller ports at featuring the iconic, mysterious form of Lundy Island. Bideford, Appledore and Ilfracombe also form important cultural 3.8 The marine area is equally recognised at a national and links with the sea with their traditional shipbuilding and fishing international level for its rich and varied biodiversity. Lundy was industries. the first voluntary Marine Nature Reserve in the UK, designated in 3.11 The seascape is rich in heritage and archaeological sites, both on 1971, moving on to become the first Marine Conservation Zone to the coast and offshore. Evidence of ancient palaeo-environments be designated by Defra in 2013. The island’s clear waters, range from the submerged ancient forest at Westward Ho! and colourful coral reefs, resident population of grey seals and diverse prehistoric and Roman organic features preserved in anaerobic seabird population (including the emblematic puffin) are also mud, to relict palaeochannels of the former River Severn plain in central to its designation as a marine Special Area of Conservation the central Bristol Channel, as well as the many shipwrecks – now (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Other explored by divers and forming artificial reefs for fish. Abundant Recommended MCZs have been identified within the study area: nautical landmarks including , seamarks, lifeboat Bideford to Foreland Point; North of Lundy and Morte Platform10, stations, piers, limekilns and small historic harbours, reveal much reflecting the high diversity of marine life present in these areas. about past maritime activity. The high energy intertidal rocks, subtidal habitats of bedrock and biogenic reefs, as well as expansive areas of dynamic sediments 3.12 Figures 3.1 to 3.5 present a flavour of the natural and cultural and circalittoral rock support important and rare faunal and influences shaping seascape character of the Study Area, infaunal communities. Frequent sitings of dolphins, harbour presented against the framework of Seascape Character Areas for porpoises, seals and even basking sharks and orcas are testament context (showing how patterns of influence shaped the spatial to the biodiverse seas; as well as being a delight to the lucky classification). onlookers who manage to spot them. . 3.9 The rich waters also support commercially and recreationally important fishing and potting grounds; a strong fishing heritage closely associated with the character of the area. These include the main commercial fleets at Ilfracombe, Appledore and Bideford; as well as the historic fishing harbours such as at Lynmouth and Clovelly. New technologies are also exploring the area’s natural resources; the strong tidal flows of the Bristol Channel (with the second highest tidal range in the world) seeing pioneering research into new renewable energy technologies. This Seascape

10 Please note that the exact boundaries of the recommended MCZs, and likelihood of designation in the next tranche, are not known at the time of writing.

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 13 November 2015 North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Figure 3.1: Offshore Bedrock Geology

Local Authority boundary

Exmoor National Park

Seascape Character Areas

01: Minehead Harbour to Hurlstone Point

02: Porlock Bay

03: Central Bristol Channel

04: Gore Point to Countisbury Cove

05: The Foreland and Lynmouth Bay

06: Valley of Rocks

07: Lee and Woody Bays

08: Woody Bay to Little Hangman

09: Lower Bristol Channel 16 03 10: Ilfracombe and Combe Martin Bays

11: Ilfracombe to Morte Point

09 12: Woolacombe Bay

13: Horseshoe Rocks

06 05 14: Outer Bideford Bay 07 04 01 15: Lundy 13 08 02 10 15 11 16: Lundy North 17: Croyde Bay & Baggy Point 14 18: Braunton Burrows and Saunton Coast

12 19: Taw-Torr idg e E stuary West 20: Northam Burrows and Westward Ho! 17 Somerset 21: Abbotsham Coast

District 22: Clovelly Coast

18 23: Inner Bideford Bay 27 19 North Devon 24: Hartland North Coast 20 District 25: Hartland Atlantic Coast 23 26: Hartland Race 24 21 27: Lundy South 26 Offshore bedrock geology 22 Clay, and Metamorphic rocks 25 Granite

Mudstone

Mudstone and halite Torridge Mudstone and lignite District Mudstone and limestone

Mudstone and sandstone

Mudstone, sandstone and limestone

Map Scale @ A3: 1:360,000

0 10 20 E km © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:VG EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_017_RPT_Offsh_bedrock_geology 04/11/2015 Source: BGS, LUC © Natural England copyright [2015].Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. Service Layer Credits: Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors Sources: Esri, GEBCO, NOAA, National Geographic, DeLorme, HERE, Geonames.org, and other contributors North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Figure 3.2: Offshore Sediment Geology

Local Authority boundary

Exmoor National Park

Seascape Character Areas

01: Minehead Harbour to Hurlstone Point

02: Porlock Bay

03: Central Bristol Channel

04: Gore Point to Countisbury Cove

05: The Foreland and Lynmouth Bay

06: Valley of Rocks

07: Lee and Woody Bays

08: Woody Bay to Little Hangman

09: Lower Bristol Channel 16 03 10: Ilfracombe and Combe Martin Bays

11: Ilfracombe to Morte Point

09 12: Woolacombe Bay

13: Horseshoe Rocks

06 05 14: Outer Bideford Bay 07 04 01 15: Lundy 13 08 02 10 15 11 16: Lundy North 17: Croyde Bay & Baggy Point 14 18: Braunton Burrows and Saunton Coast

12 19: Taw-Torr idg e E stuary West 20: Northam Burrows and Westward Ho! 17 Somerset 21: Abbotsham Coast District 22: Clovelly Coast

18 23: Inner Bideford Bay 27 19 North Devon 24: Hartland North Coast 20 District 25: Hartland Atlantic Coast 23 26: Hartland Race 24 21 27: Lundy South 26 Sediment Geology 22 Gravel 25 Mud

Mud and sand

Rock

Torridge Sand District Sand and gravel

Sand, gravel, mud

Map Scale @ A3: 1:360,000

0 10 20 E km © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:VG EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_015_RPT_Offsh_sediment_geology 04/11/2015 Source: © Natural England copyright [2015].Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. Service Layer Credits: Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors Sources: Esri, GEBCO, NOAA, National Geographic, DeLorme, HERE, Geonames.org, and other contributors North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Figure 3.3: Seabed Habitats

Local Authority boundary

Exmoor National Park

Seascape Character Areas

01: Minehead Harbour to Hurlstone Point

02: Porlock Bay

03: Central Bristol Channel

04: Gore Point to Countisbury Cove

05: The Foreland and Lynmouth Bay

06: Valley of Rocks

07: Lee and Woody Bays

08: Woody Bay to Little Hangman

16 03 09: Lower Bristol Channel

10: Ilfracombe and Combe Martin Bays

09 11: Ilfracombe to Morte Point

12: Woolacombe Bay 05 06 04 13: Horseshoe Rocks 07 01 13 08 02 10 14: Outer Bideford Bay 15 11 15: Lundy 14 16: Lundy North

12 17: Croyde Bay & Baggy Point

West 18: Braunton Burrows and Saunton Coast 17 Somerset 19: Taw-Torr idg e E stuary District 20: Northam Burrows and Westward Ho! 18 27 19 21: Abbotsham Coast North Devon 22: Clovelly Coast 20 District 23 Seabed habitats (source: EMODnet) 23: Inner Bideford Bay 24 21 A3.1: Atlantic and Mediterranean high energy infralittoral rock 24: Hartland North Coast 26 A3.2: Atlantic and Mediterranean moderate energy infralittoral rock 25: Hartland Atlantic Coast 22 A3.31: Silted kelp on low energy infralittoral rock with full salinity 26: Hartland Race 25 A5.43: Infralittoral mixed sediments 27: Lundy South

A5.13: Infralittoral coarse sediment Legend A5.23: Infralittoral fine sand or A5.24: Infralittoral muddy sand Torridge A5.33: Infralittoral sandy mud or A5.34: Infralittoral fine mud District A4.11: Very tide-swept faunal communities on circalittoral rock or A4.13: Mixed faunal turf communities on circalittoral rock

A4.2: Atlantic and Mediterranean moderate energy circalittoral rock Map Scale @ A3: 1:360,000 A4.31: Brachiopod and ascidian communities on circalittoral rock

A5.44: Circalittoral mixed sediments

A5.14: Circalittoral coarse sediment 0 10 20 E km A5.25: Circalittoral fine sand or A5.26: Circalittoral muddy sand © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:VG EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_018_RPT_Marine_habitat_map 04/11/2015 Source: EMODnet, LUC © Natural England copyright [2015].Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. Information contained here has been derived from data that is made available under the European Marine Observation Data Network (EMODnet) Seabed Service Layer Credits: Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors Habitats project (www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu), funded by the European Commission’s DirectorateGeneral for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE). Sources: Esri, GEBCO, NOAA, National Geographic, DeLorme, HERE, Geonames.org, and other contributors Inset map: Lundy Island North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character Types of designations: Assessment

-SAC & SAC with Marine Components -Marine Protected Area -Marine Conservation Figure 3.4: Environmental Zone Designations -SSSI -Biosphere Reserve Exmoor National Park

Seascape Character Areas

01: Minehead Harbour to Hurlstone Point

02: Porlock Bay

03: Central Bristol Channel

04: Gore Point to Countisbury Cove

05: The Foreland and Lynmouth Bay

06: Valley of Rocks

07: Lee and Woody Bays

08: Woody Bay to Little Hangman

16 03 09: Lower Bristol Channel

10: Ilfracombe and Combe Martin Bays

09 11: Ilfracombe to Morte Point

12: Woolacombe Bay 05 06 04 13: Horseshoe Rocks 07 01 13 08 02 10 14: Outer Bideford Bay 15 11 15: Lundy 14 16: Lundy North

12 17: Croyde Bay & Baggy Point

18: Braunton Burrows and Saunton Coast 17 19: Taw-Torr idg e E stuary

20: Northam Burrows and Westward Ho! 18 27 19 21: Abbotsham Coast 22: Clovelly Coast 20 23 23: Inner Bideford Bay 24 21 24: Hartland North Coast 26 Offshore designations 25: Hartland Atlantic Coast 22 SACs with Marine Components 26: Hartland Race 25 Marine Protection Areas (OSPAR) 27: Lundy South

North Devon Biosphere Reserve (onshore as well)

Marine Conservation Zone

Designated

Recommended

Onshore designations Inset Map Scale @ A3: 1:140,000 Map Scale @ A3: 1:360,000 Special Areas of Conservation

National Nature Reserve

Local Nature Reserve 0 10 20 E km Sites of Special Scientific Interest © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:VG EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_019_RPT_EnviroDesignation 04/11/2015 Source: LUC, Natural England, JNCC, UNESCO © Natural England copyright [2015].Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Joint Nature Conservation Committee Support Co, 100017955 (2015). Service Layer Credits: Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors layerNameSeparator=": "/> Sources: Esri, GEBCO, NOAA, National Geographic, DeLorme, HERE, Geonames.org, and other contributors North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Figure 3.5: Historic Features/Designations

Local Authority boundaries

Exmoor National Park

Seascape Character Areas

01: Minehead Harbour to Hurlstone Point

02: Porlock Bay

03: Central Bristol Channel

04: Gore Point to Countisbury Cove

05: The Foreland and Lynmouth Bay

06: Valley of Rocks

07: Lee and Woody Bays

08: Woody Bay to Little Hangman

09: Lower Bristol Channel 16 03 10: Ilfracombe and Combe Martin Bays

11: Ilfracombe to Morte Point 09 12: Woolacombe Bay

13: Horseshoe Rocks 05 06 04 14: Outer Bideford Bay 07 01 13 08 02 15: Lundy 10 15 11 16: Lundy North

^_^_ 14 17: Croyde Bay & Baggy Point 18: Braunton Burrows and Saunton Coast 12 19: Taw-Torr idg e E stuary

West 20: Northam Burrows and Westward Ho! 17 Somerset North 21: Abbotsham Coast Devon District 22: Clovelly Coast 18 District 23: Inner Bideford Bay 27 19 24: Hartland North Coast 20 23 25: Hartland Atlantic Coast 26: Hartland Race 24 21 26 27: Lundy South 22 Heritage designations 25 ( Listed Buildings

^_ Protected wreck

ë Wreck

#* Scheduled Monuments Torridge ") Conservation Area District Registered Parks & Gardens

Map Scale @ A3: 1:360,000

0 10 20 E km © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:VG EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_020_RPT_HeritageDesignation 04/11/2015 Source: LUC, English Heritage, Oceanwise, Exmoor NPA © , 2015. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right (2015). © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466 Service Layer Credits: Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors level would see the observation points (i.e. the sea surface). This generates a layer where the higher the value of the cell, the Understanding the visual resource provided by greater the number of observation points it can see and therefore, the North Devon and Exmoor seascape the greater the extent of sea views. 3.17 The resultant data has been classified into quintiles. When Aim interpreting the maps, the darker shading (blues) indicate land 3.13 The aim of this element of the Seascape Character Assessment is from where more of the study area is visible. Lighter shades to provide an objective assessment of the visual resource that the (yellows) indicate that there are views of the SCAs from those sea provides within the study area. This seeks in particular to locations, but they are not extensive. account for the definition of ‘seascape’, as set out in the UK Marine Policy Statement 2011, which states that “…references to seascape Mapping the visibility of the sea surface should be taken as meaning landscapes with views of the coast or seas, and coasts and the adjacent marine environment…” 3.18 Figure 3.7 maps the visibility of the sea surface from land within (emphasis added). 20km of the High Water Mark. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the land and sea surface was generated in GIS using Ordnance 3.14 The approach taken to the Visual Resource Mapping (VRM) Survey Terrain50 data with a 50m resolution. This was resampled replicates the method developed by the MMO in England for the to a resolution of 100m in order to aid processing. Observation Seascape Assessment for the South Marine Plan Areas (2014). A technical explanation of the methodology employed to generate points were placed on land within England and Wales up to 20km the VRM for this study can be found in Chapter 3 of the technical from the High Water Mark. A viewshed calculation was run in GIS report produced by LUC for the Seascape Assessment of the South identifying (for every location on the sea surface DEM) how many Marine Plan Areas (MMO, 2014)11. Chapter 3 in the MMO’s report observation points on land that each grid cell in the sea can ‘see’. also includes contextual background on development of the VRM Put another way, this means that grid cells with high values in the approach which may be of additional interest to readers. sea can be seen by many viewers on land and are therefore more 3.15 This section summarises the processes used in generating the VRM ‘visible’ to viewers on land. outputs for this study. This is to aid interpretation of the mapping 3.19 The resultant data has been classified into percentiles in order to included in this report rather than replicate the full methodology highlight those locations on the sea surface within the study area as described in the MMO’s publication. that are most visible from land. The darker reds indicate locations on the sea surface that can be seen from the most locations on Mapping views of the study area from the surrounding land land (up to 20km from the High Water Mark), and the darker blues 3.16 Figure 3.6 maps areas of land in terms of their views of the study indicate parts of the sea surface that are visible from the least area offshore from the High Water Mark. A Digital Elevation Model number of locations on land. (DEM) of the land and sea surface was generated in GIS using 3.20 Additionally, in order to gain a better understanding of where the Ordnance Survey Terrain50 data with a 50m resolution. most extensive views of the study area can be found on land, Observation points were placed on the sea surface within the observation points were banded into the following distances from SCAs. A viewshed calculation was run in GIS identifying (for every the High Water Mark (HWM) and viewsheds were rerun for each location on the DEM) where a viewer at 2m height above ground distance band:

x 0-1km above the HWM 11 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/seascape-assessment-for-the-south-marine- plan-areas-mmo-1037 x 1-5km above the HWM

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 19 November 2015 x 5-10km above the HWM western extents of Exmoor (some 20km inland at the furthest point from the coast). Generally, the immediate coastal edges all x 10-20km above the HWM afford extensive views over the study area, with the exception of 3.21 The resultant maps are shown at Figure 3.8, illustrating the visual some of the very low-lying and flat beaches, such as at Northam Burrows where visibility is moderate rather than extensive. relationship between the North Devon and Exmoor seascape and Almost all of Lundy is also indicated as an area with extensive the surrounding landscapes (e.g. do viewers immediately adjacent views across the seascape. to the coast (0-1km from the High Water Mark) have more extensive views than those further inland (10-20km away)?). 3.25 Areas with limited views across the study area include the flat and visually contained areas within the Taw/Torridge Estuary and Visual Resource Mapping at the Seascape Character Area Braunton Marsh, although localised elevated areas within the dunes allow far reaching views out to the west. Within the incised (SCA) level combes that punctuate the coast and extend inland, seaward 3.22 Further mapping is presented at the SCA level to explore which views are often channelled, limited by the local topography. locations on land have views of each SCA. These maps were generated by placing observation points within each of the SCAs Key limitations and rerunning the viewsheds in GIS as described above. The 3.26 The following key limitations should be borne in mind when resultant maps have been at the end of each SCA profile, included interpreting the VRM outputs: in Chapter 5. x They do not include any judgements of the quality (or Overall patterns ‘amenity’) of views or viewpoints. Similarly the location of centres of population has not been added into the model. 3.23 The VRM indicates that parts of the study area most visible from land in England and Wales include the central Bristol Channel x The maps represent a bareground scenario, so the results will (including SCAs 03 and 09). The inshore waters along the north- be an over-representation of views, as many could in reality be facing Exmoor Coast (SCAs 01, 02, 04, 05, 06, 07 and 08), the blocked by surface features (such as buildings and vegetation) not southern area of Bideford Bay (SCA 23), the waters offshore of included in the model. Hartland Point (SCA 26) and the open waters south of Lundy (SCA 27) are all also highly visible. The mapping indicates more visually x The maps do not represent a particular development contained areas such as at Woolacombe Bay (SCA 12), the inshore scenario; instead indicating key patterns of the visibility of the waters along the eastern extents of the Clovelly Coast (SCA 22) sea surface at a strategic scale. It is not appropriate for these and the Abbotsham Coast (SCA 21) and to the west of the maps to be used to assess the visual impacts of particular Hartland promontory (SCA 25), where the surrounding cliffs and developments. Structures rising above the sea surface, such as headlands limit views in from wider areas. The waters wind turbines, would be more visible given their extra height and immediately west of Lundy area also in the visual ‘shadow’ of the would therefore result in a different pattern of visibility. island in relation to views from the English and Welsh coasts. Visibility begins to diminish to the west of Lundy, at the outer reaches of the Bristol Channel as the distance of the open water from land increases. 3.24 The mapping of sea surface visibility indicates that extensive areas of elevated land inland of the study area also experience views of the SCAs, particularly the Hartland Plateau, the North Devon Downs between Saunton Down and Combe Martin Bay and the

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 20 November 2015 North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Figure 3.6: Land with Views of the North Devon & Exmoor SCAs

01 Seascape Character Areas

Land with sea views (quintile)

<20 (lowest)

21 - 40

41 - 60

61 - 80

81 - 100 (highest)

This Visual Resource Map (VRM) provides a more detailed spatial representation of the visibility of the SCAs from the surrounding land in England and Wales.

16 03 This map shows land with views to the SCAs. The darker shading (blues) indicates land from where more of the study area is visible. Lighter shades 09 (yellows) indicate that there are views of the SCAs from those locations, but they are not extensive. 05 06 04 07 01 13 08 02 10 15 11

14

12

17

18 27 19

20 23 24 21 26 22

25

Map Scale @ A3: 1:400,000

Please note that the VRM is based on a bare ground model. Where an SCA encompasses land and sea, only views of areas below the HWM within the SCA have been analysed (locations above the HWM within the SCA 0 10 20 have been excluded). Please refer to the technical report for an explanation of how these maps were generated E km and how they should be interpreted. © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:VG EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_029_RPT_VRM_Land_sea_views_overview4 04/11/2015 Source: LUC, Natural England, JNCC © Natural England copyright [2015].Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Joint Nature Conservation Committee Support Co, 100017955 (2015). North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Figure 3.7: Relative Visibility of the Sea Surface from Viewers on Land

01 Seascape Character Areas

Visibility of the sea from land (percentile)

< 10 (lowest)

11 - 20

21 - 30

31 - 40

41 - 50

51 - 60

61 - 70

71 - 80

81 - 90 16 03 91 - 100 (highest)

09 This Visual Resource Map (VRM) provides a more detailed spatial representation of the visibility of the 06 05 04 sea within the study area from the 07 01 13 08 02 surrounding land in England and Wales 10 15 11 (up to 20km from the High Water Mark). 14 This map shows which parts of the sea 12 in the study area are most visible from land (up to 20km from the High Water 17 Mark).

18 27 19

20 23

24 Localised visibility within the SCAs only 21 26 22

25

Service Layer Credits: Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors Sources: Esri, GEBCO, NOAA, National Geographic, DeLorme, HERE,

Map Scale @ A3: 1:400,000

Please note that the VRM is based on a bare ground model. Where an SCA encompasses land and sea, only visibility of areas 0 10 20 below the HWM within the SCA has been analysed (locations above the HWM within the SCA have been excluded on this map). E km Please refer to the technical report for an explanation of how these maps were generated and how they should be interpreted. © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:VG EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_029_RPT_VRM_Sea_visibility_overview 04/11/2015 Source: LUC © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. Viewers 0-1km from the High Water Mark Viewers 1-5km from the High Water Mark North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Figure 3.8: Relative Visibility of the Sea Surface from Viewers on Land at Various Distances

Seascape Character Areas

Location of theoretical viewers

Visibility of the sea from land (percentile)

< 10 (lowest)

11 - 20

21 - 30

31 - 40

41 - 50

51 - 60

61 - 70

71 - 80

81 - 90

91 - 100 (highest)

This Visual Resource Map (VRM) provides a more detailed spatial representation of the visibility of the Viewers 5-10km from the High Water Mark Viewers 10-20km from the High Water Mark sea within the study area from the surrounding land in England and Wales (up to 20km from the High Water Mark).

This map shows which parts of the sea in the study area are most visible from land at various distances from the High Water Mark (up to 20km from the High Water Mark).

Overview visibility: viewers 0-20km

Service Layer Credits: Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors Sources: Esri, GEBCO, NOAA, National Geographic, DeLorme, HERE,

Map Scale @ A3: 1:775,000

Please note that the VRM is based on a bare ground model. Where an SCA encompasses land and sea, only visibility of areas 0 10 20 below the HWM within the SCA has been analysed (locations above the HWM within the SCA have been excluded on this map). E km Please refer to the technical report for an explanation of how these maps were generated and how they should be interpreted. © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:VG EB:Manson D LUCLON 6500-01_031_RPT_VRM_Sea_visibility_banding 05/11/2015 Source: LUC © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. 4 The Seascape Character Assessment classification

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 24 November 2015

© Neville Stanikk 4 The Seascape Character Assessment classification

4.1 The seascape of North Devon and Exmoor is made up of multiple interests and values which require sensitive and integrated management. This diversity and variety is represented in this Seascape Character Assessment by the classification of 27 Seascape Character Types (SCTs) and 27 Seascape Character Areas (SCAs). These are shown at Figures 4.1 to 4.4 and listed out at Table 4.1 below. 4.2 Table 4.1 also shows the relationship with the adjacent Landscape Character Assessment classifications, with the third column listing any SCTs that continue as Landscape Character Types beyond the Seascape Character Area boundary. This relationship is also illustrated at previous Figure 2.2). 4.3 The full SCA profiles that follow in Chapter 5 also include detailed maps showing their component SCTs for further reference between the two units. Generic key characteristics for all Seascape Character Types are included at Appendix 2.

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 25 November 2015 Table 4.1: Seascape Character Areas showing their component Seascape Character Types and links to the surrounding Landscape Character Assessment classifications

Seascape Character Area Component Seascape Character Types Character Types Adjoining Exmoor / Devon Number/ Name extending inland beyond Character Areas the SCA boundary

A High Coastal Heaths

High Wooded Coasts, Combes and B A4: North Hill Cleaves Minehead Harbour to B6: Culver Cliff 1 N/A Hurlstone Point E Farmed and Settled Vale E1: Porlock-Dunster-Minehead

F Enclosed Farmed Hills with Commons F1: Northern

4P Moderate Energy Coastal Waters

High Wooded Coasts, Combes and B Cleaves

C Low Farmed Coast and Marsh B: High Wooded Coasts, B4: Culbone-Horner 2 Porlock Bay Combes and Cleaves C1: Porlock E Farmed and Settled Vale

4M Sheltered Rocky and Sandy Bays

3 Central Bristol Channel 8D Offshore Tidal Channels N/A N/A

A High Coastal Heaths

High Wooded Coasts, Combes and A3: The Foreland B Gore Point to Countisbury Cleaves F: Enclosed Farmed Hills 4 B4: Culbone-Horner Cove with Commons F Enclosed Farmed Hills with Commons F1: Northern

4O High Energy Coastal Waters

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 26 November 2015 Seascape Character Area Component Seascape Character Types Character Types Adjoining Exmoor / Devon Number/ Name extending inland beyond Character Areas the SCA boundary

A High Coastal Heaths

High Wooded Coasts, Combes and A: High Coastal Heaths B Cleaves A3: The Foreland F: Enclosed Farmed Hills The Foreland and 5 with Commons B3 Lyn Lynmouth Bay F Enclosed Farmed Hills with Commons B: High Wooded Coasts, F1: Northern 4M Sheltered Rocky and Sandy Bays Combes and Cleaves

4O High Energy Coastal Waters

A High Coastal Heaths 6 Valley of Rocks A: High Coastal Heaths A2: Valley of Rocks 4P Moderate Energy Coastal Waters

High Wooded Coasts, Combes and B Cleaves B: High Wooded Coasts, Combes and Cleaves B2: Woody Bay 7 Lee and Woody Bays F Enclosed Farmed Hills with Commons F: Enclosed Farmed Hills F1: Northern with Commons 4M Sheltered Rocky and Sandy Bays

A High Coastal Heaths

F Enclosed Farmed Hills with Commons A: High Coastal Heaths A1: Holdstone Down & Woody Bay to Little 8 Trentishoe Hangman F: Enclosed Farmed Hills 4O High Energy Coastal Waters with Commons F1: Northern

4P Moderate Energy Coastal Waters

9 Lower Bristol Channel 8A Rocky Open Waters with Reefs N/A N/A

A High Coastal Heaths Ilfracombe and Combe 4C: Coastal Slopes and A1: Holdstone Down & 10 Martin Bays Combes with Settlement Trentishoe F Enclosed Farmed Hills with Commons

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 27 November 2015 Seascape Character Area Component Seascape Character Types Character Types Adjoining Exmoor / Devon Number/ Name extending inland beyond Character Areas the SCA boundary F1: Northern Coastal Slopes and Combes with 4C Settlement North Devon High Coast

4H Cliffs

4I Rocky Foreshores

4O High Energy Coastal Waters

4M Sheltered Rocky and Sandy Bays

7 Main Cities and Towns

2C Steep Open Slopes

Coastal Slopes and Combes with 4C Settlement 2C: Steep Open Slopes 4H Cliffs 4C: Coastal Slopes and 11 Ilfracombe to Morte Point North Devon High Coast Combes with Settlement 4I Rocky Foreshores 5C: Downland 4O High Energy Coastal Waters

5C Downland

2C Steep Open Slopes

Coastal Slopes and Combes with 4C Settlement 4C: Coastal Slopes and 12 Woolacombe Bay Combes with Settlement North Devon Coastal Downs 4E Extensive Inter-Tidal Sands 5C: Downland 4F Dunes

4H Cliffs

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 28 November 2015 Seascape Character Area Component Seascape Character Types Character Types Adjoining Exmoor / Devon Number/ Name extending inland beyond Character Areas the SCA boundary

4I Rocky Foreshores

4L Exposed Sandy Bays

5C Downland

13 Horseshoe Rocks 8A Rocky Open Waters with Reefs N/A N/A

14 Outer Bideford Bay 8B Coarse Open Waters N/A N/A

6 Offshore Islands 15 Lundy N/A N/A 8A Rocky Open Waters with Reefs

16 Lundy North 8B Coarse Open Waters N/A N/A

Coastal Slopes and Combes with 4C Settlement

4E Extensive Inter-Tidal Sands

4F Dunes 4C: Coastal Slopes and 17 Croyde Bay & Baggy Point Combes with Settlement North Devon Coastal Downs 4H Cliffs 5C: Downland 4I Rocky Foreshores

4L Exposed Sandy Bays

5C Downland

2C Steep Open Slopes 4B: Marine Levels and Taw-Torridge Estuary Braunton Burrows and 18 4B Marine Levels & Coastal Plains Coastal Plains Saunton Coast (North Devon Coastal Downs – 5C: Downland adjacent to N) 4E Extensive Inter-Tidal Sands

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 29 November 2015 Seascape Character Area Component Seascape Character Types Character Types Adjoining Exmoor / Devon Number/ Name extending inland beyond Character Areas the SCA boundary

4F Dunes

4H Cliffs

4I Rocky Foreshores

4L Exposed Sandy Bays

5C Downland

4A Estuaries

4B Marine Levels & Coastal Plains 19 Taw-Torridge Estuary 4A: Estuaries Taw-Torridge Estuary 4E Extensive Inter-Tidal Sands

4F Dunes

4A Estuaries

4E Extensive Inter-Tidal Sands

4F Dunes 4A: Estuaries Taw-Torridge Estuary Northam Burrows and 5B: Coastal Undulating 20 4I Rocky Foreshores Bideford Bay Coast Westward Ho! Farmland

4L Exposed Sandy Bays 7: Main Cities and Towns

5B Coastal Undulating Farmland

7 Main Cities and Towns

4H Cliffs 4H: Cliffs (relating to a Bideford Bay Coast 21 Abbotsham Coast small enclosed combe 4I Rocky Foreshores behind the cliff edge) Taw-Torridge Estuary

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 30 November 2015 Seascape Character Area Component Seascape Character Types Character Types Adjoining Exmoor / Devon Number/ Name extending inland beyond Character Areas the SCA boundary 5B: Coastal Undulating 4P Moderate Energy Coastal Waters Farmland 5B Coastal Undulating Farmland

4H Cliffs N/A Bideford Bay Coast

22 Clovelly Coast 4I Rocky Foreshores

4Q Sheltered Coastal Waters

23 Inner Bideford Bay 8C Shallow Inshore Bays N/A N/A

4H Cliffs

24 Hartland North Coast 4I Rocky Foreshores N/A Hartland Peninsula

4P Moderate Energy Coastal Waters

4H Cliffs Hartland Peninsula

25 Hartland Atlantic Coast 4I Rocky Foreshores N/A

4N Exposed Coastal Waters

26 Hartland Race 8A Rocky Open Waters with Reefs N/A N/A

27 Lundy South 8B Coarse Open Waters N/A N/A

North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment 31 November 2015 North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Figure 4.1: Seascape Character Areas

Local Authority boundaries

Exmoor National Park

AONB 16 03 Seascape Character Areas

01: Minehead Harbour to Hurlstone Point

09 02: Porlock Bay

03: Central Bristol Channel 05 06 04 04: Gore Point to Countisbury Cove 07 01 13 08 02 10 05: The Foreland and Lynmouth Bay 15 11 06: Valley of Rocks

14 07: Lee and Woody Bays

12 08: Woody Bay to Little Hangman West 09: Lower Bristol Channel 17 Somerset 10: Ilfracombe and Combe Martin Bays District 11: Ilfracombe to Morte Point 18 12: Woolacombe Bay 27 19 North Devon 13: Horseshoe Rocks 20 District 23 14: Outer Bideford Bay 24 15: Lundy 21 26 16: Lundy North

22 17: Croyde Bay & Baggy Point 25 18: Braunton Burrows and Saunton Coast

19: Taw-Torridge Estuary 20: Northam Burrows and Westward Ho!

21: Abbotsham Coast 22: Clovelly Coast Torridge 23: Inner Bideford Bay

District 24: Hartland North Coast 25: Hartland Atlantic Coast

26: Hartland Race 27: Lundy South

Map Scale @ A3: 1:360,000

0 10 20 E km © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:DM EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_030_RPT_SCA_overview_A3L_RevB 04/11/2015 Source: LUC, OS,Natural England © Natural England copyright [2015].Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence Service Layer Credits: Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors Sources: Esri, GEBCO, NOAA, National Geographic, DeLorme, HERE, Geonames.org, and other contributorsNo.100021929. North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Figure 4.2: Seascape Character Types

Exmoor National Park Seascape Character Areas Seascape Character Types 2C: Steep Open Slopes 4A: Estuaries 4B: Marine Levels & Coastal Plains 4C: Coastal Slopes and Combes with Settlement 4E: Extensive Inter-Tidal Sands 4F: Dunes 4H: Cliffs 4I: Rocky Foreshores 8B 8D 4L: Exposed Sandy Bays

8A 4M: Sheltered Rocky and Sandy Bays 4N: Exposed Coastal Waters 4O: High Energy Coastal 4O Waters 4P 4O 8A 4O 4M 4P 4M 4M 4P: Moderate Energy Coastal 4P A 8B 4M C Waters 8A 4O 4Q: Sheltered Coastal Waters

6 5B: Coastal Undulating Farmland

4L 5C: Downland 7: Main Cities and Towns Exmoor National Park 4L Seascape Character Types A: High Coastal Heaths 4L 4B 4F B: High Wooded Coasts, 8C 4B 4A Combes and Cleaves C: Low Farmed Coast and Marsh

8B 4L 4F E: Farmed and Settled Vale

4P F: Enclosed Farmed Hills 4P with Commons Marine Seascape Character Types 8A 4Q 6: Offshore Islands 4N 8A: Rocky Open Waters with Reefs 8B: Coarse Open Waters 8C: Shallow Inshore Bays 8D: Offshore Tidal Channels

Map Scale @ A3: 1:360,000

0 10 20 E km © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:DM EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_026_RPT_SCT_overview_A3L_RevC 04/11/2015 Source: LUC, Natural England © Natural England copyright [2015].Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. Service Layer Credits: Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors Sources: Esri, GEBCO, NOAA, National Geographic, DeLorme, HERE, Geonames.org, and other contributors North Devon & Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment

Figure 4.3: Exmoor Seascape Character Types

Local Authority boundary

Exmoor National Park

North Devon AONB

Seascape Character Areas

Seascape Character Types

4C: Coastal Slopes and Combes with 8D Settlement

4H: Cliffs

4I: Rocky Foreshores

4M: Sheltered Rocky and Sandy Bays 8A 4O: High Energy Coastal Waters

4P: Moderate Energy Coastal Waters

4O Exmoor National Park Seascape Character Types 4P 4O A: High Coastal Heaths A 4O 4M 4M 4M 4P A F A B: High Wooded Coasts, B Combes and Cleaves 4P B B C F C: Low Farmed Coast and Marsh A E 4M A B E: Farmed and Settled Vale C B F: Enclosed Farmed Hills with Commons

Marine Seascape Character Types

8A: Rocky Open Waters with Reefs

8D: Offshore Tidal Channels

West Somerset District North Devon District

Map Scale @ A3: 1:135,000

0 5 10 E km © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:DM EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_028_RPT_SCT_Exmoor_A3L 09/11/2015 Source: LUC, OS, Natural England, Oceanwise © Natural England copyright [2015].Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. 8A 4M 4P 8A 4O 4M North Devon & Exmoor 4I 4H A Seascape Character 4I 4M 4C 4I A F Assessment 8B 4I 7 4I 4O 4H 4I 5C 4C

4I 2C 4I Figure 4.4: North Devon and 8B 4H 8A Torridge Seascape Character 2C Types 4I 4C Exmoor National Park 4L 2C Seascape Character Areas 4E North Devon AONB 4F Local Authority boundary 4I 4I 5C Seascape Character Types 4H 5C 2C: Steep Open Slopes 4L 4E 4C 4A: Estuaries 4I 5C North Devon 4I District 4B: Marine Levels & Coastal Plains 4H 2C 4C: Coastal Slopes and Combes with Settlement 4L 8B 4E: Extensive Inter-Tidal Sands 4B 4F: Dunes 4E 8C 4F 4B 4H: Cliffs

4B 4A 4I: Rocky Foreshores

4L: Exposed Sandy Bays 4F 4M: Sheltered Rocky and 4E 4E Sandy Bays 4L 4A 4N: Exposed Coastal Waters 4F 5B 4O: High Energy Coastal 8A Waters 4I 7 4P: Moderate Energy Coastal 4P Waters

5B 4Q: Sheltered Coastal Waters 4H 4I 4P 5B: Coastal Undulating Farmland

4I 5C: Downland 4Q 4I 7: Main Cities and Towns

4H Exmoor National Park Seascape Character Types

4H A: High Coastal Heaths 4I Torridge F: Enclosed Farmed Hills 4H District with Commons 4M 4O 4P 4O Marine Seascape Character Types 4I 4M A 4M 4I 4N 4C 4H A 4C 8A: Rocky Open Waters with Reefs 8A 4H 7 4I F 8B 4H 8B: Coarse Open Waters 4O 4I 4I 4I 5C 8C: Shallow Inshore Bays 5C 4C 5C 4I

4I 4I 8C 2C 4I 5C

5C 4L Map Scale @ A3: 1:135,000 4H 2C

Cornwall 4C 4F 4E 4F 0 5 10 E km © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation. CB:DM EB:Goosen_V LUCLON 6500-01_027_RPT_SCT_NDev_A3L 09/11/2015 Source: LUC, Oceanwise, Natural England, OS © Natural England copyright [2015].Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100021929. © Crown Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-310466. Not to be used for navigation.