The scale, extent and continuity of fine undeveloped coastline that provided the primary reason for the National Landscape designation remains a finite and critically important national asset in its own right today.

The National Landscape coastline provides a distinct and abrupt contrast with the adjoining coastline of Torbay to the east and Plymouth to the west.

Many of the natural features exposed at the coast form important qualifying features for nationally important nature conservation designations including Special Areas of Conservation, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves and Local Geological Sites.