Black Pits Plain

Downs, Moorland in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

Black Pits Plain

Exmoor: bridleway to Horsen Looking north west on a track some way above Sherdon Bridge
Exmoor: bridleway to Horsen Credit: Martin Bodman

Black Pits Plain, Somerset, is a vast expanse of open land situated in the southwestern part of England. This area, often referred to as the "Somerset Downs" or "Moorland," is characterized by its flat and desolate terrain. Covering an area of approximately 100 square kilometers, Black Pits Plain is known for its unique and striking landscape.

The plain is predominantly covered with peat, a type of soil formed by the accumulation of decaying organic matter over thousands of years. This peatland environment provides a habitat for a variety of plant and animal species that have adapted to the harsh conditions. Sparse vegetation, including heather and gorse, can be found scattered across the plain.

Black Pits Plain is situated at a relatively low altitude, with the highest point reaching around 150 meters above sea level. The area is crisscrossed by several small streams and ditches, which contribute to the overall drainage of the land.

Due to its remote and isolated nature, Black Pits Plain has been relatively untouched by human activity. However, evidence of prehistoric settlements, such as burial mounds and stone circles, can still be found in the area, reflecting its long history of human habitation.

The plain is also home to a variety of bird species, including curlews, skylarks, and lapwings, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. Additionally, Black Pits Plain attracts hikers and nature lovers who appreciate the tranquil beauty of the moorland landscape.

Overall, Black Pits Plain, Somerset, offers a unique and captivating experience for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of the region. Its desolate beauty and untouched environment make it a truly special place in the heart of Somerset.

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Black Pits Plain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.09179/-3.6971419 or Grid Reference SS8133. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Exmoor: bridleway to Horsen Looking north west on a track some way above Sherdon Bridge
Exmoor: bridleway to Horsen
Looking north west on a track some way above Sherdon Bridge
Looking down on Sherdon Water Taken from the very edge of the open access land by the side of the track leading to Lower Sherdon
Looking down on Sherdon Water
Taken from the very edge of the open access land by the side of the track leading to Lower Sherdon
Track to Lower Sherdon Taken from the edge of the Open Access land. The track leads on to Lower Sherdon with Sherdon Water in the valley on the left.
Track to Lower Sherdon
Taken from the edge of the Open Access land. The track leads on to Lower Sherdon with Sherdon Water in the valley on the left.
Lower Sherdon Viewed from the road on the other side of the Sherdon Water valley.
Lower Sherdon
Viewed from the road on the other side of the Sherdon Water valley.
West Somerset : Farm Track A small track and a public right of way.
West Somerset : Farm Track
A small track and a public right of way.
West Somerset : Farm Track Looking along a small track as it heads down the hillside.
West Somerset : Farm Track
Looking along a small track as it heads down the hillside.
West Somerset : Farm Track A small track heading down the hill and towards Sherdon Farm.
West Somerset : Farm Track
A small track heading down the hill and towards Sherdon Farm.
West Somerset : Countryside Scenery Looking across the Exmoor countryside with Sherdon Water in view.
West Somerset : Countryside Scenery
Looking across the Exmoor countryside with Sherdon Water in view.
West Somerset : Sherdon Water Sherdon Water heads through the Exmoor countryside.
West Somerset : Sherdon Water
Sherdon Water heads through the Exmoor countryside.
West Somerset : Sherdon Water Sherdon Water, called Kinsford Water. in its upper reaches is a main tributary of the River Barle.
West Somerset : Sherdon Water
Sherdon Water, called Kinsford Water. in its upper reaches is a main tributary of the River Barle.
West Somerset : Farm Track A farm track heads over Sherdon Bridge and up the hill towards Landacre Lane.
West Somerset : Farm Track
A farm track heads over Sherdon Bridge and up the hill towards Landacre Lane.
Sherdon Water
Sherdon Water
West Somerset : Farm Track A track to Litton.
West Somerset : Farm Track
A track to Litton.
Exmoor Pony Round-up Hawkridge Common near Withypool, during the round-up of one of Britain's oldest breeds of horse
Exmoor Pony Round-up
Hawkridge Common near Withypool, during the round-up of one of Britain's oldest breeds of horse
On the road to Withypool The moorland view between North Molton and Withypool. There's a deer grazing with the sheep in the photo.
On the road to Withypool
The moorland view between North Molton and Withypool. There's a deer grazing with the sheep in the photo.
Porchester's Post Plaque says: "First erected in 1796 to mark the boundary of the Carnarvon Estate.
Re-erected in memory of Lord Porchester, Earl of Carnarvon, Chairman of the 1977 inquiry into the protection of moorland on Exmoor and to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2002."
View: Looking NE.
Porchester's Post
Plaque says: "First erected in 1796 to mark the boundary of the Carnarvon Estate. Re-erected in memory of Lord Porchester, Earl of Carnarvon, Chairman of the 1977 inquiry into the protection of moorland on Exmoor and to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2002." View: Looking NE.
Lower Willingford bridge
Lower Willingford bridge
Twitchen: on Twitchen Ridge The more westerly of the two Twitchen Barrows. Looking west-north-west
Twitchen: on Twitchen Ridge
The more westerly of the two Twitchen Barrows. Looking west-north-west
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Black Pits Plain is located at Grid Ref: SS8133 (Lat: 51.09179, Lng: -3.6971419)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Somerset West and Taunton

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///surfacing.blaring.survive. Near Dulverton, Somerset

Nearby Locations

Black Pits Plain

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