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Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Blackdown Hills at Dalwood.JPG Blackdown Hills AONB near Dalwood, Devon Country	England Counties	Devon Somerset Location	south-west England - coordinates	50°56′49″N 3°13′47″WCoordinates: 50°56′49″N 3°13′47″W Highest point - location	Staple Hill - elevation	315 m (1,033 ft) - coordinates	50°56′34″N 3°05′25″W Area	370 km2 (143 sq mi) Geology	Upper Greensand AONB	1991 Management	Blackdown Hills AONB - location	St Ivel House, Hemyock, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 3SJ - coordinates	50°54′52″N 3°13′55″W Map of England and Wales with a green area representing the location of the Blackdown Hills Location of the Blackdown Hills AONB in the UK The Blackdown Hills are a range of hills along the Somerset-Devon border in south-western England, which were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1991.[1]

The plateau is dominated by hard chert bands of Upper Greensand with some remnants of chalk and is cut through by river valleys. The hills support an extensive range of wildlife leading to the designation of 16 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

There is evidence of human occupation since the Iron Age. Fortifications include the remains of ancient hill forts, Norman motte-and-bailey castles, undefinedand Second World War airfields. There are also religious buildings such as Dunkeswell Abbey and village churches. The hills are crossed by a network of minor roads with major transport routes including the M5 motorway running around the periphery.

Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Blackdown Hills at Dalwood.JPG Blackdown Hills AONB near Dalwood, Devon Country	England Counties	Devon Somerset Location	south-west England - coordinates	50°56′49″N 3°13′47″WCoordinates: 50°56′49″N 3°13′47″W Highest point - location	Staple Hill - elevation	315 m (1,033 ft) - coordinates	50°56′34″N 3°05′25″W