LCT 1A Open Inland Planned Plateaux

Transcription

1 LCT 1A Open Inland Planned Plateaux Consitiutent LDUs in East Devon AONB + buffer 143, 145, 158, 159, 104, 154, 166 Location - Located on high ground through the northern half of the area with a general north-south trend, they are dissected by incised river valleys. Landscape Character Description High open elevated flat plateaux clearly visible over a wide area. They have an abrupt boundary with the steeply sloping scarp. Relationship to the AONB Boundary The LCT extends beyond the AONB boundary to the west of Honiton and Axminster and continue as a dominate type into the Blackdown Hills AONB. Historic Landscape Character Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Medieval period these areas were associated with open rough ground and common land with ribbons of ancient woodland along their edge. Beyond the AONB boundary this pattern shifts to a landscape dominated by open strip fields. On the far eastern edge of the AONB later enclosure has obscured evidence for earlier Medieval land use. Post Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Post Medieval period large areas of unenclosed rough ground and common land were enclosed with a mixed pattern of regular and irregular fieldscapes but both featuring straight boundaries. Modern Historic Landscape Character In the present day the fieldscapes of the plan planned plateaux are very mixed with areas of Medieval, Post Medieval and 20 th century enclosure existing side by side. There are also some large areas of unenclosed rough ground surviving. The edges of the plateaux are lined with 20 th century plantations and ancient woodland. Beyond the AONB boundary to the north the pattern becomes much more homogenous. Here post-medieval planned enclosures dominate interspersed with small areas of 20 th century enclosure. Historic Settlement Character Historic settlement was scarce and dispersed; exceptions include Holmsleigh Green focused on the junction of tracks which has seen some 19 th and 20 th settlement expansion and new 19 th settlement along the Old Chard Road. Historic Farmstead Character Farmsteads are less common than in other landscape character types but where they do occur they will have regular L- and U-shaped layouts and date to the Post Medieval period. Historic Routeway Character Historic roads such as the Old Chard Road run along the spine of the plateaux with connecting roads running off the scarp slopes at intervals. Relationship between constitutent LDUs Contrast between those LDUs in the AONB boundary and those to the north. Designated Heritage Assets 1

2 Listed Buildings -36 including 3 Grade II* buildings such as Cotleigh House, many of the listings relate to farmhouses and churches. Scheduled Monuments 46 including many Bronze Age Round Barrow cemeteries and groups, ring cairns, prehistoric enclosures and Iron Age Hillfiorts. Non-Designated Archaeology There are 578 recorded features or findspots in the Devon HER within this type. This is 7% of the total in the study area. This includes an important number of prehistoric sites including earthworks, ring cairns, standing stones, enclosures, over 100 Bronze Age Round Narrpws, two hillforts and fieldsystems. There are a number of Medieval or Post medieval crosses, and boundary stones and one shrunken village. Archaeology associated with routeways include milestones and toll houses. Industrial archaeology includes a number of quarries, and gravel and marl pits. 20 th century archaeology relates to Military observation posts and radar stations situated on the higher ground. Regarding buildings archaeology there are 28 farm buildings recorded, including farmsteads and barns and 22 rural cottages. SUGGESTED ADDITION TO LANDSCAPE CHARCTER ASSESSMENT Suggested addition to the Description. Mixed historic landscape character. Planned Post-Medieval and 20 th century enclosure have replaced former grazing and commonland. Suggested addition to Key Characteristics. Important prehistoric archaeology Sparse historic settlement pattern Surviving areas of open ground important historical survival. 2

3 LCT 1B Open Coastal Plateaux Consitiutent LDUs in East Devon AONB + buffer 003, 017, 039, 144, 156 Location Occurs intermittently along the coast between Exmouth and Lyme Regis, separated by river valleys and dissected by combes, they extend for up to 4km inland. Landscape Character Description High, open gently undulated or rolling plateaux dissected by deep combes with a notable coastal influence on windblown vegetation. Relationship to the AONB Boundary Extend slightly beyond the western boundary of the AONB towards Exmouth. Historic Landscape Character Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Medieval period the coastal plateaux was associated with open strip fields and smaller areas of open rough ground and commonland, towards the end of the Medieval area enclosures based on pre-existing strip fields were created. Post Medieval Historic Landscape Character The remaining open strip fields and rough ground were replaced with Post Medieval enclosure. These were dominated by Barton Fields to the east of the area. These date to between 15 th and 17 th centuries representing a much more organised, square regular pattern of enclosure. The enclosure to the west being more irregular in nature although still using straight sided fields, in some cases Medieval elements were retained relating to the earlier strip fields. Modern Historic Landscape Character There is a contrast in the character of the present day landscape on the open coastal plateaux between those areas to the west and to the east of Sidmouth. Firstly to the east of Sidmouth older historic landuse patterns remain with a mixed pattern of small pockets of Post Medieval enclosure interspersed with Medieval enclosures including those based on strip fields. Small areas of recreational land are also common. Post Medieval Barton fields are much more common on the plateaux between Seaton and Lyme Regis which also features several small designed landscapes.20 th century enclosure is rare as is woodland which instead clings to the sides of the combes and wooded scarp slopes to either side of the Plateaux. Secondly to the west of Sidmouth the area is dominated by 20 th century landscapes and recreational land.20 th century plantations are also common with only small pockets of earlier fieldscapes surviving. Historic Settlement Character There is little historic settlement with the exception of the linear village of Weston which has seen 19 th and 20 th expansion along the road. Historic Farmstead Character Large number of farms with a probable pre 1750 date comprising threshing barns (including combination buildings with cattle at one end), farmhouses (including by national standards a high proportion of medieval examples) and some early examples of linhays for cattle. They will probably have regular L- and U-shaped layouts 3

4 Historic Routeway Character Irregular network of lanes across the plateaux providing access to the fields of the plateaux and linking the coastal combes with inland. Relationship between constituent LDUs There is a contrast in the historic character of the LDUs on the open coastal plateaux between those areas to the west and to the east of Sidmouth Designated Heritage Assets Listed Buildings 97 including 6 Grade II* buildings. These relate to farmhouses, farm buildings, vernacular cottages, and churches. Scheduled Monuments 6 relating to prehistoric enclosures at Hawkesdown, and Berry cliff, cross dykes, prehistoric field systems above Littlecombe Shoot and a Bronze Age round barrow. Registered Park and Garden Rousdon Grade II Parkland and pleasure grounds laid out in the 1870s, surrounding a mansion of c designed by the architect Ernest George for Sir Henry William Peek. This extends into LCT5 Cliffs. Also Cadhay to the west of the AONB in the buffer zone, this is a Grade II early and mid C20 formal garden incorporating medieval fishponds and a C19 walled garden, with C19 and C20 ornamental paddocks Non-Designated Archaeology There are 590 recorded features or findspots in the Devon HER within this type. This is 7% of the total in the area covered by this study. This includes a number of prehistoric sites including earthworks, ring cairns, standing stones, enclosures, over 20 Bronze Age Round Barrows, two hillforts and prehistoric fieldsytems. There is a Roman Villa east of Otterton Point. Medieval archaeology includes a castle, a deserted settlement and ridge and furrow. Archaeology associated with routeways include milestones, mileposts and a toll house. Industrial archaeology includes a number of quarries, and gravel pits as well as Lime Kilns. 20 th century Military archaeology is common including a range of observation and defence sites, and buildings. Regarding buildings archaeology there are 38 farm buildings and a range of vernacular buildings including houses and cottages as well as several chapels and churches. SUGGESTED ADDITION TO LANDSCAPE CHARCTER ASSESSMENT Suggested addition to the Description. To the east of Sidmouth older historic landuse patterns remain including Medieval enclosure Suggested addition to Key Characteristics. Large numbers of historic farmsteads Important prehistoric and roman sites 4

5 LCT 1C Pebble Bed Heaths Constituent LDUs in East Devon AONB + buffer 107 Location - North/south ridge west of Ottery St Mary south to the coast between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, forming the western edge of the Otter valley Landscape Character Description - A high, level to gently undulating plateau forming a long northsouth finger north from Budleigh Salterton. Relationship to the AONB Boundary The area follows the western boundary of the AONB and extends beyond to the north for 1.5 km Historic Landscape Character Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Medieval period large scale pockets of irregular rough ground formed of heathland were found all along the spine of the ridge pock marked with small, potentially Medieval or earlier, quarries. This land was subject to extensive common rights exploited by people living in the villages of the Otter Valley and within the valleys to the east. There are small pockets of irregular medieval enclosure on the western side of the ridge which can be identified in today s landscape. To the north of area beyond the AONB boundary the ground is lower and this pattern gave way to a distinctive fieldscape of irregular sinuous enclosure which is of probable Medieval date, a similar pattern of fields cut across between the heathland between Hawkerland and Halls Copse. Post Medieval Historic Landscape Character The rough heath ground, mentioned above, survived into the Post Medieval period but was infilled with conifer plantations and smaller areas of natural woodland caused by scrub growth especially in the south half of the ridge. More quarries dot the ridge line. Beyond the AONB boundary to the pattern changes to Post Medieval fields, this often obscured the earlier Medieval fields, creating a Post Medieval less irregular enclosed landscape. A similar pattern of alteration occurred on the northern side of the fields between Hawkerland and Halls Copse although to the south side the irregular fieldscapes survive although now infilled in part with conifers. Modern Historic Landscape Character In the present day landscape there is the survival of large areas of open unenclosed heathland and common discussed above. During the 20 th century there has been greater infilling on the edge of the ridge with recent woodland growth and conifers especially to the south. The western boundary on the lower slopes of the ridge has seen evidence of more regular modern enclosure obscuring earlier field patterns. Beyond the AONB boundary the post medieval field pattern survives where not obscured by modern settlement, and some pockets of Medieval fieldscape Historic Settlement Character There is a sparse historic settlement pattern when compared to the valley landscapes to the west and east. Historically there were small hamlets on the northern end of the area beyond the AONB boundary at Metcombe, and West Hill. There has been notable 20 th settlement expansion around West Hill. 5

6 Historic Farmstead Character Historic farms were traditionally in adjacent areas on lower ground to the west and east, with the exception of the complex of buildings of Manor Farm. Historic Routeway Character There is an important historic route way running north-south along western edge of the ridge with perpendicular routes leading to and providing access to the resources of the heath from the valleys to the east and north. The heath land itself is criss-crossed with an irregular network of tracks. Relationship between constituent LDUs N/A Designated Heritage Assets Listed Buildings - 6 Grade II farmsteads, milestone and boundary stones, AA box, 1 Grade II* Coxen, Long Orchard Scheduled Monuments 22 nationally important collection of Bronze Age round barrows along the ridge line and prehistoric enclosure of Woodbury Castle. Non-Designated Archaeology There are 537 recorded features or findspots in the Devon HER within this type. This is 6% of the total in the area covered by this study. This includes a large number of archaeological features including eathworks, enclosures, banks and ditches. The number of prehistoric sites is noteworthy including fieldsystems, over 50 Round Barrows, hut platforms and flint scatters. Medieval archaeology includes ridge and furrow. Boundary banks, markers and stones are common. Archaeology associated with routeways include milestones, mileposts and a toll house. Industrial archaeology includes a large number of quarries, and gravel pits. 20 th century Military archaeology is common including a range of observation and defence sites, training sites and buildings. Regarding buildings archaeology there are 11 farm buildings. Other vernacular buildings are sparse in number and include cottages. SUGGESTED ADDITION TO LANDSCAPE CHARCTER ASSESSMENT Suggested addition to the Description. Survival of open heath common land of probable Medieval date with associated Medieval and Post Medieval fields to the north of the AONB and to the west of Hawkerland. The ridge also contains a nationally important group of Prehistoric monuments. Suggested addition to Key Characteristics. Relic Medieval open common heathland landscape Nationally important group of Bronze Age Round Barrows and other Prehistoric sites 6

7 LCT 1E Wooded Hilltops and Ridges Consitiutent LDUs in East Devon AONB + buffer 014, 015, 012, 013, 001[AONB Buffer only] Location Outliers at the end of fingers of upland plateaux on the north eastern side of the AONB. This includes Horner Hill, Shute Hill, Great Pen and Knowle Hill Landscaoe Character Description - Small visually distinct hills and ridges separate from but sharing many characteristics of the plateaux. Relationship to the AONB Boundary The hills are all within the AONB boundary with the exception of Horner Hill which lies 1 km to the north of the boundary. Historic Landscape Character Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Medieval period these hilltop locations were related to open strip fields. These were enclosed in the late Medieval period. However on Shute Hill later enclosure has obscured earlier patterns of land use. Post Medieval Historic Landscape Character The remaining open fields were enclosed on the tops of the hills by irregular sinuous enclosures and post 1600 woodland appeared on the lower slopes. Modern Historic Landscape Character In the present day landscape Knowle Hill and Great Pen retain their pattern of Medieval enclosure with those on Knowle Hill being based on earlier strip fields. The edge of Great Pen has been crowned with post 1600 woodland and the lower slopes of both hills have been replaced with modern enclosures. Shute Hill in contrast is dominated by post Medieval and to the north 20 th century plantations. The crown of the hill has a post medieval enclosure pattern while the lower western slopes are characterised bymodern enclosure patterns. Outside of the AONB to the north Horner Hill is much more mixed in character with pockets of Medieval enclosure nestling against Post Medieval and 20 th century fieldscapes, small pockets of ancient woodland and larger sinuous ribbons of Post 1600 woodland. Historic Settlement Character None Historic Farmstead Character Farms at base of hills, these are likely to have enclosed or u-shaped plans. Historic Routeway Character Historic tracks around bases of hills Relationship between constitutent LDUs Differing pattern of historic landscape character between the hills. Designated Heritage Assets Listed Buildings Grade II Higher Wadden Farmhouse on Great Pen, Sea View Cottage Grade II on the south side of Shute Hill Scheduled Monuments None Non-Designated Archaeology 7

8 There are 67 recorded features or findspots in the Devon HER within this type. This is 1% of the total in the area covered by this study. The majority of these relate to Medieval and later field systems, quarries and vernacular buildings including cottages and farmsteads. SUGGESTED ADDITION TO LANDSCAPE CHARCTER ASSESSMENT Suggested addition to the Description. Mixed historic landscape character. Suggested addition to Key Characteristics. Crown of hills capped by Post Medieval enclosure patterns Historic Farmsteads at the base of hills 8

9 LCT 2A Steep Wooded Scarp Slopes Constituent LDUs in East Devon AONB + buffer 103, 140, 160, 168, 162, 152, 167 Location Related to the open coastal and open inland plateaux types these occur throughout the AONB and continue to the west of Honiton and Axminster. They form the steep sloping scarp faces to the plateaux. Landscape Character Description - Narrow ribbons of steeply sloping land immediately below the edge of the high plateaux. These are formed of mixed woodland and semi improved or unimproved pasture. Relationship to the AONB Boundary They extend beyond the AONB boundary to the west of Honiton and Axminster and continue as a dominate type into the Blackdown Hills AONB. Historic Landscape Character Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Medieval period the steep wooded scarp slopes were associated with small irregular enclosure and small ribbon like expanses of ancient woodland, and with small areas of open fields infilling the gaps. Open fields become increasingly present to the north of the AONB boundary Post Medieval Historic Landscape Character Largely enclosed by the start of the Post Medieval period. Post Medieval enclosure had the most impact to the north of the AONB replacing open fields with new regular fields. Post 1600 woodland also appeared on the edges of the area often infilling previous open fields or enclosures. Modern Historic Landscape Character There are two distinct patterns of present day landscape character, within the AONB boundary to the east of Sidmouth and outside of the AONB. The historic character of this landscape type within the AONB is thin ribbons of 20 th century plantation interspersed with post 1600 woodland with even smaller pockets of ancient woodlands. Small breaks in the woodland cover are filled with Medieval enclosure some of which is based on earlier strip fields and unenclosed rough ground. Outside to the AONB boundary to the north and east, the landscape type is much wider and here woodland no longer dominates. Post Medieval and 20 th century fieldscapes are as common as the earlier Medieval enclosure patterns with small ribbon like bands of ancient and post 1600 woodland along their edge. Historic Settlement Character Scarce Historic Farmstead Character Scarce Historic Routeway Character Lanes and tracks cut across the scarp slope connecting the plateaux to the farmed valley slopes below. Relationship between constituent LDUs There are two distinct patterns of present day landscape character, within the AONB boundary to the east of Sidmouth and outside of the AONB. 9

10 Designated Heritage Assets Listed Buildings 98 including 7 Grade II* many of the buildings relate to farmhouses and vernacular cottages. Scheduled Monuments 6 including Sidbury Castle, Castle Hill, promontory fort on Seaton Down, a bowl barrows and a Roman villa 300yds (270m) SSW of Holcombe Farm. Registered Historic Park and Garden Combe House Grade II straddles boundary with 3A. This is a C17 and C18 parkland surrounding C17 walled gardens and terraces. Non-Designated Archaeology There are 487 recorded features or findspots in the Devon HER within this type. This is 6% of the total in the area covered by this study. Prehistoric sites include 10 Bronze Age Round Barrows and five Iron Age Hillforts. There is a Roman villa 300yds (270m) SSW of Holcombe Farm. Medieval archaeology includes ridge and furrow and a deer park. There are over 25 fieldsystems recorded. Industrial archaeology is common and includes a large number of quarries, and gravel and marl pits as well as slag heaps. 20 th century Military archaeology is not common. Regarding buildings archaeology there are 68 farm buildings. There are over 75 other vernacular buildings including cottages, chapels and churches. SUGGESTED ADDITION TO LANDSCAPE CHARCTER ASSESSMENT Suggested addition to the Description. The historic character of this landscape type within the AONB is thin ribbons of 20 th century plantation interspersed with post 1600 woodland with even smaller pockets of ancient woodlands. Suggested addition to Key Characteristics. Iron Age and Roman archaeology Ancient Woodland 10

11 LCT 2B Coastal Slopes and Combes Consitiutent LDUs in East Devon AONB + buffer 064, 002, 003, 062, 061, 156, 029, 095, 060 Location A series of incisions in the south coast between Sidmouth and Beer, excluding the river valleys and estuaries of the Otter, Sid and Axe. Landscape Character Description Individual small coastal areas with generally wooded slopes and branching valley systems, some of which are very steep. Relationship to the AONB Boundary Contained wholly within the arc of the AONB, the furtherest LDU extends beyond the AONB boundary into the area surrounding Seaton. Historic Landscape Character Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Medieval period the area around High Peak was dominated by open strip fields and rough ground. In contrast the coastal slopes and combes of Salcombe Regis, Weston and Branscombe are dominated by early enclosed landscapes with smaller pockets of strip fields. The base of the combes is associated with open wet meadows. Post Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Post Medieval period the character of the coastal combes and slopes retained its earlier Medieval enclosed character although pockets of post 1600 woodland also appeared on the slopes. Modern Historic Landscape Character In the present day landscape the coastal slopes and combes of Salcombe Regis, Weston and Branscombe are dominated by areas of Medieval enclosure, some based of strip fields with small pockets of modern enclosure. There are also relic hatchworks. The combe sides are doted with historic orchards some still in use and some relic. The slopes of the combes are covered with ancient and large areas of post 1600 woodland which have grown up on earlier open landscapes. This pattern becomes more mixed in the combe to the east surrounding Beer and to the west at High Peak and surrounding Bolverton Hill which is dominated by conifers. In these areas 20 th century enclosure is much more dominant and there are pockets of 18 th /19 th century enclosure. There are several small designed gardens between Beer and Seaton. Historic Settlement Character Dispersed settlement pattern in villages such as Seaton. The nucleated village of Beer has seen much expansion in the 19 th and 20 th centuries Historic Farmstead Character Small farms dispersed along valley slopes. Historic farmsteads that do occur are likely to date to pre 1750 and have courtyard plans in large farms or else L and U shaped layouts with distinctive cattleyards. Historic Routeway Character Winding steep lanes lead into the combes providing access to the villages and the sea. Relationship between constitutent LDUs The far western and eastern combe have a contrasting historic landscape character to those of Salcombe Regis, Weston and Branscombe. Designated Heritage Assets 11

12 Listed Buildings 60 including 4 Grade II* buildings. Many of the listings relate to vernacular cottages and farmhouses. Scheduled Monuments 1, High Peak camp, Sidmouth Non-Designated Archaeology There are 212 recorded features or findspots in the Devon HER within this type. This is 3% of the total in the survey area. Prehistoric archaeology includes 1 Neolithic chambered tomb and 6 Bronze Age Round Barrows. There 11 features associated with Medieval or later ecclesiastical activity including churches, chapels, and gravestones.there are 18 farm buildings or groups of buildings. Industrial archaeology makes up over 20% of the total with numerous gravel pits and lime kilns. Military archaeology is much less common than in other areas. Built archaeology includes 8 cottages, and 4 houses. SUGGESTED ADDITION TO LANDSCAPE CHARCTER ASSESSMENT Suggested addition to the Description. The far western and eastern combe have a contrasting historic landscape character to those of Salcombe Regis, Weston and Branscombe Suggested addition to Key Characteristics. Relic hatchworks Historic orchards Industrial archaeology Dispersed historic settlement pattern 12

13 LCT 3A Upper farmed and Wooded Slopes Consitiutent LDUs in East Devon AONB + buffer 065, 098, 169, 099, 163, 100, 165 Location Occurs along the upper slopes of river valleys thought the area Landscaoe Character Description Undulating sloping land on greensand below the wooded scarp. Well treed pastoral farmland with arable cultivation on lower slopes. Relationship to the AONB Boundary Straddles the AONB boundary between Tipton St John and Honiton, continues to the north of the AONB between Honiton and Axminster Historic Landscape Character Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Medieval period strip fields dominated these were interspersed with much smaller areas of Medieval enclosure, ancient woodland and unenclosed rough ground and commonland. Post Medieval Historic Landscape Character Post-Medieval enclosure is not very common in this area, earlier Medieval enclosures dominate. The exception being Barton fields, dating to between 15 th and 17 th centuries representing a much more organised, square regular pattern of enclosure. These occur along the western extent of the landscape character type and in small pockets across the rest of the area. Small historic and relic orchards are also common and small areas of post 1600 woodlands. Larger designed landscapes were also created for example Shute Park, Woodend Park and Manor Park, Sidbury. Modern Historic Landscape Character Spread across the middle part of the AONB. This landscape character type has a very mixed historic character with large pockets of 20 th century enclosure siting alongside large areas of Medieval enclosures some of which are based on earlier strip fields. Post Medieval enclosure is less common except Barton Fields which are more common on the eastern edge of the AONB. There are small areas of ancient and post 1600 wodlands and small areas of unenclosed rough ground. Small historic and relic orchards are also common. Larger designed landscapes are also common for example Shute Park, Woodend Park and Manor Park, Sidbury. Historic Settlement Character Historic settlements are dispersed in form. They have seen little 19 th and 2oth century infilling. Historic Farmstead Character There is likely to be a concentration of pre-1750 farmstead buildings, these mostly comprising threshing barns (including combination buildings with cattle at one end), farmhouses (including by national standards a high proportion of medieval examples) and some early examples of linhays for cattle. Some enclosed regular courtyard plans. Other predominant farmstead plans comprise dispersed layouts. Historic Routeway Character Sinuous lanes often run along the top of the slopes. These become denser and more irregular further inland. Relationship between constituent LDUs Similar historic landscape character across the LDUs. 13

14 Designated Heritage Assets Listed Buildings 284 including 4 Grade I relating to country houses and 22 Grade II* relating to historic farmhouses, churches and chapels. Scheduled Monuments 2 Stockland Great Castle and Stockland Little Castle. Registered Historic Park and Garden Combe House Grade II straddles boundary with 2A. This is a C17 and C18 parkland surrounding C17 walled gardens and terraces. Non-Designated Archaeology There are 1251 recorded features or findspots in the Devon HER within this type. This is 15% of the total in the survey area. This is a significant proportion of the total archaeology in the study area. This includes numerous enclosures, banks, ditches and extent earthworks and numerous fieldsystems. Prehistoric archaeology includes 2 Bronze Age round barrows and 1 Iron Age hillfort. Medieval archaeology includes deserted and shrunken villages, and 4 deer parks There are over 34 feature associated with Medieval or later ecclesiastical activity including churches, chapels, gravestones and crosses. There are 264 farm buildings or groups of buildings. Industrial archaeology makes up over 15% of the total with numerous quarries and lime kilns. Military archaeology is much less common than in other areas. Archaeology associated with routeways included fords, bridges and milestones are common. Built archaeology includes 72 cottages, and 54 houses. SUGGESTED ADDITION TO LANDSCAPE CHARCTER ASSESSMENT Suggested addition to the Description. Post-Medieval enclosure is not very common in this area, earlier Medieval enclosures dominate. The exception being Barton fields, along the western extent of the landscape character type Suggested addition to Key Characteristics. Medieval enclosure Significant proportion of archaeology Concentration of pre-1750 farmstead buildings 14

15 LCT 3B Lower rolling farmed and settled slopes Constituent LDUs in East Devon AONB + buffer 018, 034, 035, 036, 091, 093, 105, 112, 121, 092, 094, 113, 016, 106, 137, 147, 138, 148 Location A transitional zones above flat river valleys of the Otter and the Ax but below the steeper generally more wooded slopes Landscape Character Description - Gently rolling slopes above the valley floor, less steep than the upper slopes and with less woodland and more settlement. Relationship to the AONB Boundary Continues along the edge of the Ax and Otter Valleys to the east and west of the AONB boundary. Historic Landscape Character Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Medieval period strip fields dominated these were interspersed with much smaller areas of Medieval enclosure, and ancient woodland. In the middle of the AONB Medieval irregular enclosures are much more common. Post Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the early Post Medieval period the remaining strip fields were enclosed. In the west of the area these were replaced often by Barton fields, dating to between 15 th and 17 th centuries representing a much more organised, square regular pattern of enclosure. In the east of the area the new fields tended to be influenced by the underlying strip fields being much more sinuous in nature. Medium sized areas of new woodland also appeared and large designed landscapes were also created including Bicton. Modern Historic Landscape Character This landscape character type has a very mixed historic character with large pockets of 20 th century enclosure occurring especially to the east. These sit alongside large areas of Post-Medieval enclosure including Barton fields and Medieval enclosures some of which are based on earlier strip fields, again more common to the east. Much of the Post Medieval enclosure retains earlier Medieval elements. There are medium sized areas of ancient and post 1600 woodlands. Small historic and relic orchards are also common. In the east of the area there are large pockets of recreational land. Historic Settlement Character Historic settlement is common and includes nucleated, dispersed and linear villages. These have seen much greater inflinng in the 19 th and 20 th century than in other areas. Historic Farmstead Character High concentration of pre-1750 farmstead buildings, these mostly comprising threshing barns (including combination buildings with cattle at one end), farmhouses (including by national standards a high proportion of medieval examples) and some early examples of linhays for cattle. Some bank barns dating from late 18th to mid 19th centuries, many farmsteads having cattle yards for fattening added in the mid-late 19th century. Many farmhouses are attached to working buildings. Some enclosed regular courtyard plans and loose courtyard plans, mostly on larger and high-status farms, some as developed or remodelled in the early-mid 19th century with 15

16 bank barns and wheel houses for threshing machinery. Other predominant farmstead plans comprise dispersed layouts, sometimes with farmhouse attached to buildings. Historic Routeway Character Complex and varied pattern of historic routways including Roman Roads, toll roads, and irregular networks of lanes. Relationship between constituent LDUs Some difference in historic landscape character between areas to the west and east of the area. Designated Heritage Assets Listed Buildings 683, including 5 Grade I listed builings related to country houses, and 46 Grade II* buildings Scheduled Monuments 5, including Bronze Age Round Barrow, Newenham Abbey, and the Roman fort and later Romano-British settlement at Woodbury Farm. Registered Park and Garden Bicton Court Grade 1. This is an Early C18 formal garden with later C18 and C19 structures, set in C18 and C19 parkland and pleasure grounds with a mid C19 arboretum, on which W S Gilpin, John Webb and J C Loudon advised Non-Designated Archaeology There are 2006 recorded features or findspots in the Devon HER within this type. This is 24% of the total in the survey area. This is a significant proportion of the total archaeology in the study area. This includes numerous enclosures, banks, ditches and extent earthworks and many fieldsystems. Prehistoric archaeology includes 18 Bronze Age round barrows and ring ditches and 1 Iron Age hillfort. There are at least 2 Roman settlements. Medieval archaeology includes deserted or shrunken villages, 6 deer parks, ridge and furrow and Burbage plots on the edge of villages. There are over 123 feature associated with Medieval or later ecclesiastical activity including churches, chapels, gravestones and crosses. There are 313 farm buildings or groups of buildings. Industrial archaeology makes up over 10 of the total with numerous clay pits, gravel pits, marl pits and lime kilns. Military archaeology includes pill boxes and anti tank obstacles. Built archaeology includes 113 cottages, 139 houses and other vernacular buildings such as 16 schools. SUGGESTED ADDITION TO LANDSCAPE CHARCTER ASSESSMENT Suggested addition to the Description. This landscape character type has a very mixed historic character with large pockets of 20 th century enclosure occurring especially to the east. Suggested addition to Key Characteristics. Significant proportion and range of archaeology High concentration of pre-1750 farmstead buildings 16

17 LCT 4A Unsettled Farm Valley Floors Constituent LDUs in East Devon AONB + buffer 146, 109, 108, 090 Location - Three north-south river valleys, ending at the south coast. These are the River Otter on the western side of the AONB, the River Sid running to Sidmouth and the River Axe on the eastern side of the AONB running to Axmouth Landscape Character Description Low, flat open landform with distinct vegetated floodplain edge. These are unsettled with wooded mixed farmland interspersed with shallow streams. Relationship to the AONB Boundary The Otter Valley extends beyond the AONB boundary to the north, the Axe continues in a northeast direction. The southern extent of the Sid area in contrasts extends beyond the AONB boundary in the vicinity of Sidmouth but is wholly contained within the arc of the AONB. Historic Landscape Character Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Medieval period both the Otter and Axe Valley floor was dominated by irregular sinuous, most likely, open wet meadows. This is in contrast to the Sid where sinuous meadows fill a narrow channel and were surrounded by Medieval strip fields running perpendicular to the river channel. Post Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Post Medieval period the character of the Otter Valley floor, and Axe Valley Floor became dominated by Post Medieval wet meadows and Post Medieval enclosure. In some cases the water meadows retained elements of earlier Medieval wet meadows. In the Sid valley floor the water meadows and wet meadows were much narrower and were still surrounded by Medieval enclosures based on strip field. Barton Fields were also found to the north of Steven s Cross. Part of the historic designed park adjacent to the Manor House to the northwest of Sidbury is also in the area. Modern Historic Landscape Character In the present day the Otter valley is dominated by post medieval enclosure and relic wet meadows. Large areas of modern enclosure dominate between Colaton Raleigh and Tipperton St John; Fenny Bridge and the edge of Honiton. On the northern edge of the area to the west of Honiton small pockets of Post Medieval fields with Medieval elements survive. The Axe Valley floor demonstrates a similar albeit more mixed pattern of modern enclosure interspersed with wet meadows and Post Medieval enclosure. In contrast the Sid Valley floor presents a more mixed picture with Medieval enclosures surviving on the western side and modern enclosure obscuring field patterns to the east. The designed parkland mentioned above also survives. Trees are restricted to the river edge. Historic Settlement Character Historic settlement in the Otter and Axe valley floor is scarce occurring at crossing points at the river such as Fenny Bridge in the Otter valley. In contrast settlement is more common in the Sid Valley with small nucleated villages and hamlets at Steven s Cross and Sidbury. 17

18 Historic Farmstead Character There are few farmsteads on the valley floors. Historically farmsteads were located on the adjacent valley slopes. The few historic farmsteads that do occur are likely to date to pre 1750 and have courtyard plans in large farms or else L and U shaped layouts with distinctive cattleyards. Historic Routeway Character - The rivers themselves would have formed historic transportation corridors.in both the Otter and Axe Valley floor historic road routes crossed east-west across the area with many surviving Post-Medieval and Medieval bridges. A railway, between Budleigh Salterton and Honiton, ran along the Otter valley floor now in disuse. The pattern in the Sid Valley floor is different with roads radiating out from Sidbury and the historic throughway between Sidmouth and Honiton crossing the area Relationship between constituent LDUs Both the Sid and Axe Valley floor show similar historic land use trajectory and present day historic landscape character. The historic character of the Sid valley floor is notably different. Designated Heritage Assets Listed Buildings - There are 92 Listed Buildings (1 Grade II*, 191 Grade II). There are 21 in the Axe Valley, all Grade II, comprised of Bridges, Mills and Cottages; 59 in the Sid Valley, mostly in the vicinity of Sidbury, including 1 Grade II* house; and 12 Grade II buildings in the Otter Valley, formed of Bridges, 1 church, 2 farmhouses and a mill. Scheduled Monuments None Non-Designated Archaeology There are 510 recorded features or findspots in the Devon HER within this type. This is 6% of the total in the survey area. There are 15 Bronze Age barrows and ring ditches and several ancient field systems and enclosures. Industrial archaeology is common including 11 leats. Military archaeology includes defensive structures including pillboxes and tank traps. There are 53 historic farm buildings. Another notable pattern is the high number of sites relating to historic routeways including bridges. Built heritage includes cottages, houses churches and chapels. SUGGESTED ADDITION TO LANDSCAPE CHARCTER ASSESSMENT Suggested addition to the Description. Post Medieval and Medieval wet meadows survive in pockets where not altered by modern enclosure. Notable pattern of Medieval strip fields in the Sid Valley. Suggested addition to Key Characteristics. CHANGE Pastoral land use with Medieval and Post Medieval wet meadows and some arable, Historic bridges and crossing points 18

19 LCT 4B Unsettled Marine Levels Consitiutent LDUs in East Devon AONB + buffer 048, 049, 898 Location Lower sections of the river valleys of the Axe and Otter Landscaoe Character Description Marine saline intrusion preclude settlement and limits agricultural cultivation, formed of reedbed and salt marsh Relationship to the AONB Boundary Continues beyond the AONB boundary into the east of the area surrounding Seaton. Historic Landscape Character Medieval Historic Landscape Character In the Medieval period these levels were associated with marshland, unenclosed rough ground and grazing and small pockets of irregular enclosure. Post Medieval Historic Landscape Character The marine levels around Budleigh Salteron remained as marshland but those to the east of Budleigh Salteron were infilled with irregular post-medieval enclosure. Modern Historic Landscape Character In the present day landscape the Marine Levels surrounding Budleigh Salteron is comprised of marshes fringed by scrubby areas of post 1600 woodland. In contrast the levels at Seaton are comprised by a mixed pattern of Medieval and Post Medieval enclosures and rough ground to the north and 20 th century fields and recreational land to the south nearer to the sea. Historic Settlement Character None, the marshland bounds the eastern extent of the settlements of Seaton and Budleigh Salterton. Historic Farmstead Character N/A Historic Routeway Character The Seaton marshes are associated with the Seaton and District Electric Tramway. Relationship between constituent LDUs Clear difference between marine levels at Budliegh Salterton and those at Seaton. Listed Buildings - None Scheduled Monuments None. Designated Heritage Assets Non-Designated Archaeology There are 161 recorded features or findspots in the Devon HER within this type. This is 2% of the total in the survey area. Archaeological feature tend to date to the Medievial and Post Medieval periods. Industrial archaeology is common including small quarries as is Military archaeology such as 19

20 pillboxes, defence obstructions and gun emplacements. Historic buildings include cottages and houses on the edge of the area. SUGGESTED ADDITION TO LANDSCAPE CHARCTER ASSESSMENT Suggested addition to the Description. Infilling of Medieval and Post Medieval enclosures Suggested addition to Key Characteristics. Post-Medieval enclosure Industrial and Military archaeology 20

21 LCT 5 Coastal Cliffs Consitiutent LDUs in East Devon AONB + buffer 02, 116, 60, 62 Location South coast intermittently between Exmouth and Lyme Regis. Landscaoe Character Description Steeply sloping cliffs, nearly vertical in places. Narrow shingle beaches. Cliffs of banded sandstone, chalk and flint. Relationship to the AONB Boundary Follows the southern boundary of the AONB. Historic Landscape Character Medieval Historic Landscape Character Steep sided cliffs with beach shingle below, the upper reaches of which were associated with unimproved rough ground and small irregular Medieval fields and open strips. Post Medieval Historic Landscape Character A notable feature of the Post Medieval period was the undercliff platts at Branscombe and Weston used for growing vegetables and described by the Sidmouth historian Peter Orlando Hutchinson in 1858 as "a beautiful undercliff, a sort of stage, half way down to the sea, well cultivated with corn, potatoes ". Modern Historic Landscape Character In the present day landscape this is formed of steep sided cliffs with beach shingle below. A notable piece of historic character are the small rounded platts or fields which are found under the cliffs in areas of cliff collapse at Branscombe and Weston. In the present day these are mostly scrubbed over, as these largely went out of use in the 1950s. Some survive where chalets have been built as summer holiday homes or where conservation is ongoing such as at Weston. On the eastern side of the AONB between Seaton and Lyme Regis. Post 1600 woodland also dominates. Historic Settlement Character There is no settlement associated with the cliffs. Historic Farmstead Character N/A Historic Routeway Character Small lanes provided access to cliff top resources. Relationship between constitutent LDUs The cliffs on the eastern side of the AONB between Seaton and Lyme Regis have a different character to the rest of the cliffs. Designated Heritage Assets Listed Buildings - None Scheduled Monuments None. Registered Historic Park and Garden - Rousdon Grade II Parkland and pleasure grounds laid out in the 1870s, surrounding a mansion of c designed by the architect Ernest George for Sir Henry William Peek. The majority of this area is in LCT1B 21

22 Non-Designated Archaeology There are 145 recorded features or findspots in the Devon HER within this type. This is 2% of the total in the survey area. This includes Prehistoric cairns and Bronze Age Round Barrows on the cliff edge. Military archaeology including observation posts and search light batteries and industrial archaeology such as lime kilns and quarries. SUGGESTED ADDITION TO LANDSCAPE CHARCTER ASSESSMENT Suggested addition to the Description. A notable feature of the Post Medieval period was the undercliff platts at Branscombe and Weston Suggested addition to Key Characteristics. Historic undercliff plats Prhistoric archaeology Military archaeology 22