Landscape Character Types

The approach to Lundy at the south of the Island with South Lighthouse, ferry jetty and access road winding up the steep cliff side.

Summary description

This Landscape Character Type (LCT) covers Lundy Island, which lies 11 miles off the North Devon coast in the Bristol Channel. It falls entirely within Torridge District. The island, its shores and surrounding waters are defined as Heritage Coast.

Link to Devon Character Areas

DCA 38: Lundy

Key characteristics

• A flat-topped island formed primarily of Tertiary granite, with Devonian slates revealed along the south-east peninsular. Intrusions by vertical dykes reveal the island's volcanic past.
• Island forms an important seascape feature visible from all along the North Devon coast. Lundy's church tower and old lighthouse form prominent vertical elements rising up from the plateau.
• Spectacular cliffs reaching over 100 metres; the west coast battered by the waves and winds of the Atlantic resulting in a rugged, exposed coastline with features including the Devil's Limekiln sea cave. The eastern side of the island is more sheltered with vegetated slopes and secluded rocky coves.
• Plateau drained by a series of small streams cascading down the cliffs and flowing to the sea. Small ponds (the most significant at Pondbury) form valued wetland habitats.
• Brown podzol soils giving rise to impoverished, acidic conditions across the island.
• Open grazing by feral Soay sheep, goats, Lundy ponies and Sika deer, with sheep-grazed pasture and some cultivation within the enclosed farmland. The island is also grazed by a large population of rabbits left as a legacy from the medieval period.
• Exposed west coast and plateau defined by an absence of tree cover. Stunted stands of oak, sycamore and rhododendron associated with the valley and sheltered south-east coast.
• Northern half of the plateau characterised by unenclosed heath and acid grassland, whilst in-bye farmland in the centre and south of the island is enclosed within grey granite stone walls forming square fields.
• Rich, nationally important cliff-top habitats including heath and maritime grasslands supporting unique flora and fauna including the endemic Lundy cabbage and valued colonies of grey seals and sea birds (including a small population of puffins). The surrounding waters are protected by a Marine Conservation Zone.
• High concentrations of archaeological remains including over forty Scheduled Monuments from Bronze Age burial mounds, early Christian inscribed standing stones, the remains of the 13th century Maresco Castle to 19th century quarries and gun emplacements.
• Village clustered at the south of the island with a unifying grey granite vernacular including the prominent 19th century church of St Helena. Granite stone also used in various other buildings across the island (many of which are listed) including the early 19th century lighthouse ('Old Light') and Tibbett's Hill lookout
• A contrasting early 19th century mock Georgian manor house with white rendered walls sits in the sheltered valley in the south-east of the island (formerly a hotel).
• A surfaced access road snakes along the south-east peninsular to link the landing bay of the SS Oldenburg with the village. The remainder of the island is crossed by one rough track, lined by distinctive granite boulders in its southern stretches. Informal paths and open access land cover the remainder.
• A unique cultural identity defined by a small close-knit working community far-removed from 21st century influences. Lundy is loved and studied by many.
• Long views to the South Wales and North Devon coasts, with the lighthouse at Hartland Point forming a distinctive landmark feature on the horizon. In clear conditions views stretch as far as Woolacombe Down, Baggy Point and Saunton Down.
• Island at the mercy of the elements and defined by the ever-present influence of the sea. The landscape presents a challenging and exhilarating 'wilderness' experience to visitors arriving by boat or helicopter from the mainland.

Vegetated cliff slopes with rocky coves on the eastern side of the island.

Valued landscape attributes

• Remote and undeveloped - a 'sanctuary' away from the mainland.
• Strong sense of isolation, self-sufficiency and spirituality.
• Marine Conservation Zone (and former Marine Nature Reserve) designation reflecting uniqueness of the island's wildlife, including its sea birds.
• A 'jewel in the view' over Bideford Bay and the full length of the North Devon coast.

View south from the island with the top of Marisco Castle visible above the rolling grassland.

Management guidelines

Protect

Protect the ecologically-rich offshore reefs which surround the island.

Manage

Manage the island's nationally important coastal heathland, maritime grassland and wetland habitats and unique species (such as the Lundy cabbage), ensuring grazing levels by domestic, feral and wild animals are controlled at appropriate levels.

Manage characteristic areas of stunted woodland in the Millcombe Valley and along parts of the east coast, continuing to control and eradicate invasive species such as rhododendron and protecting sensitive areas from grazing damage.

Plan

Plan for the impacts of a changing climate on Lundy's coastline, allowing natural processes to take place wherever practical.

Explore opportunities to restore/enhance coastal heath and maritime grassland habitats to return them to favourable condition. Increase the diversity of habitats for the benefit of biodiversity and to improve resilience to climate change.

Utilise the new Environmental Land Management Schemes and other initiatives (as they emerge) to manage and enhance the wildlife interest of the farmed landscape and contribute to nature recovery networks.

LCT 6 Offshore Islands (PDF) [1MB]