The key characteristics of the Quantock Hills are . . .

144. Quantock Hills

The key characteristics of the Quantock Hills are . . .

• Central high, heathland ridge, with some beech clumps. 

• Irregular field patterns and farmsteads in sheltered fringes.

• Steep wooded valleys and lower slopes, commonly with former deer parks. Beech copses and lines are characteristic.

• Red sandstone and shales used in older buildings and giving colour to the soils.

• High archaeological interest of Bronze Age monuments such as burial mounds.

For further details on this character area and for an introduction to the region, please see the PDF documents in the box at the top right hand side of this page.