Upper Culm

Upper Culm ward encompasses a primarily rural area of Mid Devon, centred around the villages of Hemyock and Clayhidon. The landscape is characterised by rolling farmland, wooded valleys, and the headwaters of the River Culm. Settlement is dispersed, with a network of narrow lanes connecting farms, hamlets, and the two main villages, which serve as local hubs with essential services and community facilities.

The area's history is closely tied to agriculture and the former Hemyock Castle, a 14th-century fortified manor. Local economy remains strongly connected to farming and land management. The Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, influence the ward's western boundary, offering walking routes along the escarpment with views across the Culm Valley.