Reserves and species

Posted by devon
2011-05-04 11:31

Old Sludge Beds

We probably could have come up with a better name for this often over-looked nature reserve! But the 'Old Sludge Beds' does at least hint at the history behind the place.
 
This site was once the resting place for much of Exeter's treated sewage. However, in 1969 the job of cleaning up after the city came to rest with the South West Water plant which sits next door. Today the Old Sludge Beds is an altogether more welcoming place to wildlife and people. 
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
www.devonwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
5.00
Short Description: 
Paths and boardwalks allow you to get among the reed beds and ponds of this wetland reserve.
Smartphone Description: 
Explore this wetland nature reserve using its network of paths and boardwalks. A secret, special place on the edge of the city of Exeter. Great for spring/summer migrant birds, bats and dragonflies.
Location
Address: 
Walk from University of Exeter Boathouse car park Countess Wear Swing Bridge Countess Wear
Town: 
Exeter
County: 
Devon
Grid ref: 
SX 950 889
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Boardwalks and paths are level, some steps. Access is along a 2km path from the University Boathouse, pass to the right (canal side) of the South West Water treatmnent plant. There are no benches/resting places until you reach the reserve itself. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park in the boathouse car park when turning off from the main road.
Walking information: 
Access is along a 2km path and there are no benches/resting places until you reach the reserve itself. Allow an hour to walk from the car park and around the reserve.
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01392 279244
Reserve email address: 
contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org
Photos
Photo: 
Path through Devon Wildlife Trust's Old Sludge Beds nature reserve
Best time to visit
Start: 
January
End: 
December
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by devon
2011-05-04 11:31

Swanpool Marsh

This reserve is important for its range of wetland habitats. The great pond-sedge and reed that covers much of the reserve is a rare habitat across the west county. Dragonflies and butterflies are extremely abundant here

Reserve details
Trust: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Size: 
3.00
Short Description: 
A small oasis which buzzes with activity
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve is important for its range of wetland habitats. The great pond-sedge and reed that covers much of the reserve is a rare habitat across the west county. Dragonflies and butterflies are extremely abundant here
Location
Address: 
1 mile west of Braunton
Town: 
Braunton
County: 
Devon
Grid ref: 
SS 473 365
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Reserve mainly flat but is rough and sometimes wet under foot. Please contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park carefully on the road verge near reserve entrance
Walking information: 
Mainly flat but is rough and sometimes wet under foot, to walk the circular trail allow 30 minutes
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01392 279244
Reserve email address: 
contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org
Photos
Photo: 
Swanpool Marsh
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by devon
2011-05-04 11:31

Stowford Moor

This reserve consists of wet grassland with many rare and endangered species. It has a stunning display of heath spotted orchids and you will also see good displays of plumear meadow thistle and Devil's bit scabious. Roe deer are common and you can see various species of bats hunting during summer evenings

Reserve details
Trust: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Size: 
19.00
Short Description: 
A wet grassland with a stunning display of heath spotted orchids
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve consists of a very wet grassland with many rare and endangered species. It has a stunning display of heath spotted orchids and you will also see good displays of plumear meadow thistle and Devil's bit scabious. Roe deer are common and you can see various species of bats hunting during summer evenings
Location
Address: 
North of the village of Bradworthy.
Town: 
Nr Great Torrington
County: 
Devon
Grid ref: 
SS 391 161
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Wet and rough, few defined paths. The terrain is rough and marshy in places; the very wet central sections should be explored with great caution. Stout footwear or wellingtons are essential. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Roadside parking
Walking information: 
The terrain is rough and marshy in places; the very wet central sections should be explored with great caution. Stout footwear or wellingtons are essential allow 30 minutes to explore this reserve.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01392 279244
Reserve email address: 
contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org
Photos
Photo: 
Stowford Moor
Species: 
Meadow Brown
Reed Bunting
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by devon
2011-05-04 11:31

Stapleton Mire

Stapleton Mire is a Culm grassland and is rich in nationally rare plant and insect species. Some areas are almost dominated by the nationally rare whorled caraway. The woodland here consists of wet flushes of willow and alder with drier areas containing oak and hazel. During the summer, good populations of marbled white, meadow brown, and ringlet butterflies can be seen

Reserve details
Trust: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Size: 
9.00
Short Description: 
A Culm grassland, rich in nationally rare plant and insect species
Smartphone Description: 
Stapleton Mire is a Culm grassland and is rich in nationally rare plant and insect species. Some areas are almost dominated by the nationally rare whorled caraway. The woodland here consists of wet flushes of willow and alder with drier areas containing oak and hazel. During the summer, good populations of marbled white, meadow brown, and ringlet butterflies can be seen
Location
Address: 
Stibb Cross
Town: 
Nr Great Torrington
County: 
Devon
Grid ref: 
SS 453 138
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Wet and rough ground, few defined paths. The terrain is exceptionally rough and marshy in places and stout footwear or wellingtons are a necessity. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Roadside parking
Walking information: 
The terrain is exceptionally rough and marshy in places and stout footwear or wellingtons are a necessity. Allow 30 minutes to see this reserve.
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01392 279244
Reserve email address: 
contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org
Photos
Photo: 
Stapleton Mire
Species: 
Snipe
Devil's-bit Scabious
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by devon
2011-05-04 11:31

Sourton Quarry

The reserve consists of a steep sided flooded quarry, surrounded by spoil heaps that are now largely covered by wildflower rich open areas, scrub and woodland. The flooded quarry attracts kingfisher, little grebes and peregrine falcons. Eleven different species of bat, including greater and lesser horseshoes and Natterer's, find roosts in the buildings and tunnels.
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Size: 
8.50
Short Description: 
A disused limestone quarry, now home to various plants, birds and bats
Smartphone Description: 
The reserve consists of a steep sided flooded quarry, surrounded by spoil heaps that are now largely covered by open wildflower-rich areas, scrub and woodland. The flooded quarry attracts kingfisher, little grebes and peregrine falcons. Eleven different species of bat, including greater and lesser horseshoes and Natterer's, find roosts in the buildings and tunnels.
Location
Address: 
6 miles south west of Okehampton
Town: 
Nr Okehampton
County: 
Devon
Grid ref: 
SX 523 892
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
No access between April and July
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
No
Access: 
Permit required
Access info: 
Permit required, contact the Trust. Access to the bridleway that bisects the site is permitted. No access between April and July. Dangers due to old quarry. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
No
Walking information: 
Dangers due to old quarry.
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01392 279244
Reserve email address: 
contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org
Photos
Photo: 
Sourton Quarry
Species: 
Barbastelle Bat
Brown Long-eared Bat
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by devon
2011-05-04 11:31

Scanniclift Copse

A trip to Scanniclift Copse is to experience the Teign Valley's rich patchwork landscape of hedges and small woods set among fields. The reserve is one such small, but well connected, woodland nestling on the sharply rising valley sides, overlooking the hedged pastures of DWT's Woodah Farm.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Size: 
8.00
Short Description: 
Small but perfectly semi-naturally formed
Smartphone Description: 
Scanniclift Copse is a beautiful oak woodland in the Teign Valley. During the spring, the woodland floor is covered in bluebells and wild garlic. The rare toothwort and nationally scarce bastard balm also occur on the reserve. Many key species are supported here; melanistic fallow deer, harts tongue fern, bird's nest orchid and greater and lesser horseshoe bats
Location
Address: 
1 mile south west of Doddiscombsleigh
Town: 
Nr Exeter
County: 
Devon
Postcode: 
EX6 7PW
Grid ref: 
SX 843 860
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Path can be rough, with steps in places. The ability to access the reserve is inhibited by the natural steepness of most of the site and natural woodland obstacles such as tree roots. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Cross the River Teign and park beyond this where the road widens
Walking information: 
The ability to access the reserve is inhibited by the natural steepness of most of the site and natural woodland obstacles such as tree roots. Allow 45minutes to walk the circular route.
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01392 279244
Reserve email address: 
contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org
Photos
Photo: 
Scanniclift Copse
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by devon
2011-05-04 11:31

Ruggadon Middlepark

This reserve consists of a steeply sloping meadow, wet grassland and Middlepark Copse, which is a small area of woodland dominated by very large oak trees. An outstanding number of butterflies are supported here, including four species of skipper, four species of hairstreak and large numbers of marbled white and ringlet. Badgers and deer frequent the woodland

Reserve details
Trust: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Size: 
3.10
Short Description: 
A meadow, a grassland and Middlepark Copse, all supporting an outstanding number of butterflies
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve consists of a steeply sloping meadow, wet grassland and Middlepark Copse, which is a small area of woodland dominated by very large oak trees. An outstanding number of butterflies are supported here, including four species of skipper, four species of hairstreak and large numbers of marbled white and ringlet. Badgers and deer frequent the woodland
Location
Address: 
1 mile north of Chudleigh
Town: 
Nr Bovey Tracey
County: 
Devon
Grid ref: 
SX 857 817
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Rough paths. Difficult access due to a very steep, rough access bridlepath. None of the paths within the reserve are surfaced and the section through the wood is steep in parts. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
No
Parking info: 
Limited parking near the recreation ground in Trusham village
Walking information: 
Difficult access due to a very steep, rough access bridlepath. None of the paths within the reserve are surfaced and the section through the wood is steep in parts. Allow 45minutes to explore here.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01392 279244
Reserve email address: 
contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org
Photos
Photo: 
Ruggadon Middlepark
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
October
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by devon
2011-05-04 11:31

Rackenford and Knowstone Moors

Size matters
Culm grassland is a rare habitat comprising distinctive wetland plants, sustained by acidic clay soils, light grazing, and high rainfall. This combination of environmental conditions with low intensity land management, largely unchanged since prehistoric times, maintains the site's wildlife richness.
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Size: 
122.00
Short Description: 
A sense of space and timelessness greets the visitor stepping out on to the largest surviving area of culm grassland in Devon.
Smartphone Description: 
This site represents the largest remaining block of Culm grassland in Devon. It comprises wetland and heathland communities plus small areas of fringing woodland, with a corresponding rich fauna of bird and invertebrate communities
Location
Address: 
9 miles west of Tiverton
Town: 
Nr Tiverton
County: 
Devon
Grid ref: 
SS 851 211
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Very wet and rough ground, no paths. Can be wet and rough underfoot. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Small parking areas (signposted) on either side of the road 10 miles from Tiverton
Walking information: 
Can be wet and rough underfoot. Allow 2-3 hours to walk this site
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01392 279244
Reserve email address: 
contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org
Photos
Photo: 
Devon Wildlife Trust Rackenford and Knowstone nature reserve
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by devon
2011-05-04 11:31

Mill Bottom

This nature reserve offers a chance to explore a secretive woodland on the edge of Dartmoor.
 
Access is across a neighbouring property. Please be considerate when accessing Mill Bottom.
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
www.devonwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
1.60
Short Description: 
Mill Bottom has a closed-in feel; ancient granite boulders hide amongst the trees and the rocks' cracks create the perfect spot for local bats to hang out in.
Smartphone Description: 
Walk beneath a woodland canopy to discover more than 100 woodland flowers. Badger tracks criss-cross your path, while the Wray Brook forms a natural boundary to this little reserve in a classic Dartmoor-edge village.
Location
Address: 
In Lustleigh village, on the east side of Dartmoor
Town: 
Nr Bovey Tracey
County: 
Devon
Postcode: 
TQ13 9TJ gets you nearby
Grid ref: 
SX 786 812
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Access across a neighbours land - please be considerate. Rough ground with large boulders. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
No
Parking info: 
Limited roadside parking around village.
Walking information: 
Watch out for slippery boulders and the fast flowing stream that floods in winter allow 30 minutes to explore this site.
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01392 279244
Reserve email address: 
contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org
Photos
Photo: 
The embankment of an old railway track now acts as a path through the reserve
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
October
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by devon
2011-05-04 11:31

Meshaw Moor

Meshaw Moor is a traditional small holding divided into thirteen fields that have remained unchanged for decades. It consists of small Culm grassland fields and flower rich hay meadows surrounded by thick hedges. Many typical species are supported, including marsh fritillary, green veined and marbled white butterflies

Reserve details
Trust: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Size: 
14.00
Short Description: 
A traditional small holding divided into thirteen fields that have remained unchanged for decades
Smartphone Description: 
Meshaw Moor is a traditional small holding divided into thirteen fields that have remained unchanged for decades. It consists of small Culm grassland fields and flower rich hay meadows surrounded by thick hedges. Many typical species are supported, including marsh fritillary, green veined and marbled white butterflies
Location
Address: 
Between South Molton and Witheridge
Town: 
South Molton
County: 
Devon
Postcode: 
EX36 4NL
Grid ref: 
SS 761 185
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Ground can be wet and uneven in places but there are some stretches of boardwalk over the most difficult areas. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
There is a small car park at the entrance to the reserve.
Walking information: 
Ground can be wet and uneven in places but there are some stretches of boardwalk over the most difficult areas, the way mark trail around the reserve takes about an hour to walk.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Devon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01392 279244
Reserve email address: 
contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org
Photos
Photo: 
Meshaw Moor
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve