Hen and Stag Weekends in the AONB. 

The South Wests hidden gem

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is designated this when the landscape is considered so precious that it needs to be preserved for the nation.   This is because, not only of the beautiful landscape, but also the abundance of wildlife, habitats, geology and heritage.  There are only 40 of these areas in England and Wales.    The primary purpose of the AONB is to conserve and enhance these landscapes.

The Blackdown Hills in East Devon have been designated An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for obvious reasons.   They form a tranquil, beautiful and relatively isolated area with steep ridges, high plateau and valleys stretching away in every direction.  The area is dotted with farms, villages and many ancient features such as Hembury Fort just above Broadhembury.

Local authorities, organisations and community groups strive to preserve this precious landscape creating an exceptional environment where rare plants and insects and a variety of wild animals can flourish.

Have a look here at their website to see their amazing work and you’ll see how amazing it is to have our Stag and Hen weekends in the AONB. https://blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk/

“The Blackdown Hills stretch from a steep wooded north-facing scarp which dips southwards as a flat-topped plateau, dissected by deep secluded valleys. The hilltops are open windswept spaces. In the valleys, villages and hamlets are tucked away amongst a patchwork of small enclosed fields and a maze of winding lanes lined with high hedge-banks.

The biodiversity of the Blackdown Hills is one of its greatest assets. The unique geology and landscape patterns of the area have combined with traditional management to support a rich diversity of habitats and species.

This immense variety, with patches of valuable habitat scattered throughout the landscape, is notable; these include flower-rich meadows, ancient hedgerows, springline mire, wet woodland, heathland, calcareous grassland, ancient woodland, fen and bog. Bees, butterflies, birds, bats and many other animals, some nationally scarce, thrive in the Blackdown Hills, feeding and breeding in the habitats the area provides.“

We are so VERY VERY lucky to be able to hold our Stag and Hen weekends in the AONB!