Prisk Wood SSSI
Prisk Wood contains some interesting archaeological features, notably the remains from quarrying and the manufacture of millstones. Millstones were cut out of the quartz conglomerate in the upper reaches of the wood and transported through what are now deep fern-clad valleys to the River Wye below. The stones of quartz conglomerate, known as pudding stone, were widely used for cider making and grinding corn. Today the reserve consists of derelict coppice with some large trees. Pollarded lime trees appear to have been used as boundary markers.
New Grove Meadows
The reserve is made up of four adjacent meadows. The two northern meadows are amongst the best in Britain – the richness of their grassland flora is indicative of an unbroken history of traditional management. They also support a large population of green-winged orchids. The two southern fields have been reseeded and fertilised in the past, however the Trust’s traditional management is steadily restoring their species diversity, and they now provide a superb display of colour each year.
Springdale Farm
A diverse range of habitats can be found on the farm, including flower-rich pastures and hay meadows, an impressive broad-leaved woodland, ponds and streams. It is the Trust’s first working farm and is managed by tenants using traditional wildlife-friendly farming practices, including grazing with a herd of pedigree British White cattle – a breed which has been known for at least 800 years.
Henllys Bog SSSI
Valley mires are areas of water-logged peat in valley bottoms, with characteristic plant communities. Many of these wildlife-rich habitats have been lost through drainage, and they have become very rare nationally. Of the handful of valley mires left in Gwent, Henllys Bog is the best one for wildlife. Henllys Bog is actually fed by springs, and the brook that runs along the edge of the reserve does not supply it with water.
Species
Great Traston Meadows SSSI
The main habitat is grazing marsh, with associated ditches, reens and grips. Pollarded willows line many of the reens – another feature typical of the Gwent Levels.
Graig Wood
Species
The dominant species of tree within the woodland are ash, sycamore and oak. There is also a scattering of ancient yew trees. Evidence of dormice has been found within the woodland. Hart’s-tongue fern grows frequently across the reserve, whilst mosses and liverworts cover the ruins of two old cottages. These cottages provide a glimpse of the past, when many more families worked on the land, living in cottages scattered across the countryside.
Access
Wolborough Fen
A brief walk from Newton Abbot town centre takes you to Wolborough Fen, a special urban oasis for wildlife nestled
Wembury Marine Centre
This is the place to come to get to know Devon's amazing marine wildlife.
Wembury Marine Centre (open Easter to October) is the place to start. Free to enter, you'll find tanks with live crabs, fish and anemones, mixed with interactive displays and a video guide which will fly you across the local landscape.
Woodah Farm Rural Skills Centre
Woodah Farm is not open to the public. It's former farmhouse has been converted to provide office space, a meeting room and workshops for the promotion of rural skills.
It is set in 140 acres of semi-improved grassland and has spectacular views from the plateau at the top. It is a great asset and provides activity space for educational events, a venue for meetings and a demonstration site.
Bystock
"Probably the best nature reserve in Devon" Nick Baker, Naturalist & TV presenter
This is one of Devon Wildlife Trust's most popular nature reserves - and it's easy to see why.
Bystock has great variety. Visit and you'll find yourself stopping to take in beautiful views across a lily-pad filled lake, strolling through heathland on boardwalks, and climbing the gentle slopes of a wildflower meadow.
