The Yeovil Scarplands are a natural region in southern England in the counties of Somerset and Dorset.

Hamdon Hill

The region is listed as National Character Area 140 by Natural England, the UK Government's advisor on the natural environment. It covers 78,579 hectares (303.40 sq mi) and runs from Chard in the southwest to Chesterblade and Upton Noble in the northeast. The town of Yeovil lies roughly in the centre of the area. To the west are the Blackdowns and the Vale of Taunton and Quantock Fringes, to the north are the Mid Somerset Hills and the Mendips, to the east are the Blackmoor Vale and Vale of Wardour and to the south, the Marshwood and Powerstock Vales and Dorset Downs.[1][2]

With a predominantly rural landscape, Yeovil and other urban areas occupying less than 5% of the area, about 85% is farmed and the remainder predominantly pastoral.[3] The area is drained by several rivers including: River Axe, River Brue, River Cary, River Isle, River Parrett, River Yeo and the Whitelake River.

The area includes Neolithic hill forts, remains of Roman villas and many listed buildings. The area also includes 9477 ha of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Designated Areas and Listed Buildings

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The NCA includes some or all of:

References

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  1. ^ NCA 140: Yeovil Scarplands - Key Facts & Data at www.naturalengland.org.uk. Accessed on 6 Apr 2013.
  2. ^ Yeovil Scarplands - Character Area 140 at www.naturalengland.org.uk. Accessed on 6 Apr 2013.
  3. ^ Updated NCA Profile:140 Yeovil Scarplands (NE557) at www..naturalengland.org.uk Upload from 24 April 2014 accessed 2 Nov 2014.
  4. ^ "Museum of Somerset opens!". Victoria County History. Retrieved 9 September 2014.
  5. ^ Historic England. "Muchelney Abbey (193791)". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  6. ^ "Montacute Priory". Somerset Historic Environment Record. Somerset County Council. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  7. ^ Historic England. "Monument No. 200127". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 17 July 2011.
  8. ^ Byford, Enid (1987). Somerset Curiosities. Dovecote Press. p. 16. ISBN 0946159483.
  9. ^ Warren, Derrick (2005). Curious Somerset. Sutton Publishing. p. 32. ISBN 978-0-7509-4057-3.
  10. ^ Historic England. "The Round House (1056279)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 March 2014.