Blackdown Hills

Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty straddles the Devon-Somerset border in southwest England, protecting 370 square kilometers of gently rolling plateau landscapes. The hills rise from the surrounding lowlands, creating a distinctive ridge characterized by ancient hedgerows, traditional farmland, and remnant heathland. The area takes its name from the dark appearance of the forested slopes when viewed from a distance. Springs emerging from the greensand geology feed numerous streams that have carved deep, wooded valleys called combes into the plateau. This patchwork landscape blends natural beauty with centuries of agricultural tradition, creating the quintessential English countryside.

The Blackdown Hills have been inhabited and farmed for thousands of years, with evidence of Iron Age hill forts and Roman settlements. Medieval agriculture shaped the landscape through extensive woodland clearance and the establishment of the hedge-bounded field patterns still visible today. The hills provided resources including stone, timber, and grazing for surrounding communities. Industrial activity in the 18th and 19th centuries included lime burning and clay extraction for pottery. Recognizing the area's special landscape character, the Blackdown Hills were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1991, providing planning protections to maintain the rural character against development pressure.

The Blackdown Hills are accessible via country lanes from nearby towns including Wellington, Honiton, and Chard. The area has no visitor centers but information is available online and at local tourism offices. An extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways allows exploration, including sections of long-distance routes like the East Devon Way. Small car parks at key access points serve walkers. Traditional villages within the AONB offer accommodation and services, from country pubs to bed and breakfasts. The area is best explored on foot or bicycle, with quiet lanes ideal for cycling.

Maintaining the traditional agricultural landscape requires supporting farmers who manage hedgerows, meadows, and small woodlands. Agri-environment schemes provide funding for conservation farming practices. Heathland restoration works to recover habitats lost to agricultural improvement and scrub encroachment. The area faces challenges from agricultural intensification, hedgerow loss, and development pressure. Managing ash dieback disease affects the iconic ash trees common in hedgerows and woodlands. Community engagement programs build local support for landscape conservation while promoting sustainable tourism that benefits rural economies.