Blackdown Hills

Blackdown Hills
Name	Blackdown Hills
Settlement type	Hill range
Country	England
Region	South West England
Counties	Somerset, Devon
Area km2	390
Highest elevation m	315

Blackdown Hills The Blackdown Hills form a prominent upland area in southwest England spanning parts of Somerset and Devon. The hills rise above the Vale of Taunton and the River Axe and sit near settlements such as Chard, Taunton, and Honiton, providing a mix of rural landscapes, historic sites, and biological interest. The area has been the focus of conservation efforts by organisations including the National Trust, Natural England, and local councils.

Geography

The topography of the area includes ridges, combes, valleys and escarpments that influence local drainage into the River Tone, River Otter, River Axe and tributaries near the Somerset Levels and Severn Estuary. Nearby places and transport links include the town of Taunton, the market town of Chard, the city of Exeter, the M5 motorway, the A30 trunk road and the network of parish councils such as Monkton and Hemyock. The highest point is near Staple Hill, close to the border with Devon, with panoramic views toward the Quantock Hills, Exmoor and the Dorset Downs. Surrounding protected landscapes include the Exmoor National Park, the Mendip Hills, the Cranborne Chase and the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and settlements such as Wellington, Ilminster and Axminster lie within easy reach.

Geology and Natural History

The geology is dominated by Upper Greensand and Triassic sandstone and mudstone overlying Carboniferous and Permian strata; underlying materials correlate with sequences found in the Mendips and the Jurassic Coast. The escarpment and combes expose layers that have been studied by geologists from the Geological Society, universities including the University of Exeter and the University of Bristol, and local geological groups. Quaternary processes shaped the soils and head deposits that support acid grassland and heath mosaics similar to those on Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor. Historic mapping by the British Geological Survey and research influenced by figures such as William Smith helped document the stratigraphy and mineral occurrences, while palaeobotanical work connects to collections at the Natural History Museum and institutions like Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Ecology and Wildlife

The mosaic of broadleaved woodland, acid grassland, calcareous pasture and wetland supports species recorded by organisations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Butterfly Conservation and local Wildlife Trusts. Notable avifauna includes skylark, lapwing, curlew and host-supporting habitats for migratory species linked to the Somerset Levels and Exe Estuary. Invertebrate fauna includes rare butterflies and moths monitored by the Butterfly Conservation and entomologists affiliated with the Natural History Museum and local universities. Woodland parcels contain ancient oak, ash and wych elm with fungi and lichens surveyed by the British Mycological Society and the British Lichen Society. Riparian corridors provide habitat for otter, European badger and bat species recorded by Bat Conservation Trust volunteers and ecological consultancies. The area's habitats contribute to national conservation priorities outlined by Natural England and connect ecologically to the Severn Estuary Ramsar site and Special Protection Areas designated under European legislation.

Human History and Archaeology

The hills contain archaeological remains spanning Neolithic barrows, Bronze Age field systems and Iron Age hillforts studied by the Council for British Archaeology, Historic England and local archaeological societies. Roman roads and medieval field patterns survive in parchmarks recorded by the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England and by academic teams from the University of Oxford and University of Southampton. Post-medieval features include historic estates managed by families recorded in county histories, parish churches such as those listed by the Church of England, and transport heritage linked to the Great Western Railway and Exeter to Taunton routes. Local museums in Taunton and Exeter curate finds, while conservation of earthworks has involved Historic England and community archaeology groups.

Economy, Land Use and Agriculture

Land use is a patchwork of pasture, arable, woodland and orchards managed by farmers affiliated with the National Farmers' Union and tenant farmers working estates sometimes held by organisations such as the National Trust and private landowners. Traditional cider orchards and dairying have historical links to regional food and drink names protected by geographic indications, and contemporary enterprises include agri-environment schemes promoted by Natural England and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Rural diversification has produced small businesses in hospitality, heritage tourism and farm shops often promoted through Destination Management Organisations for Somerset and Devon. Renewable energy projects and small-scale wind or solar proposals have been considered by county councils and planning authorities, with input from environmental consultancies and the Planning Inspectorate.

Recreation and Conservation

Walkers, cyclists and equestrians use rights of way and bridleways recorded on Ordnance Survey maps and promoted by Ramblers and British Horse Society groups; long-distance routes connect to the Macmillan Way and regional trails linking with Exmoor and the South West Coast Path. Interpretive trails and reserves managed by the Somerset Wildlife Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust and National Trust provide visitor facilities, while volunteer groups and Friends organisations support habitat restoration projects. Conservation designations include Sites of Special Scientific Interest identified by Natural England and local Biodiversity Action Plan habitats monitored by county record centres. Educational programmes have involved universities, field studies centres and school partnerships supported by Heritage Lottery Fund grants and community heritage initiatives.

Governance and Protected Status

Administrative responsibility is shared between Somerset Council and Devon County Council, with district and parish councils such as Somerset West and Taunton and East Devon involved in planning and local services. Conservation oversight involves Natural England, Historic England and organisations including the National Trust, Wildlife Trusts and Local Nature Partnerships. Planning policy references national planning policy frameworks administered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and appeals may involve the Planning Inspectorate; agri-environment funding is coordinated through the Rural Payments Agency. Designations contributing to protection include Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty status with management plans, Sites of Special Scientific Interest notified by Natural England, and local heritage listings maintained by Historic England and county record offices.

Category:Hills of Somerset Category:Hills of Devon