This small reserve is a lovely example of the marshy Culm Pasture that has been lost from so much of the West Country
Look out for
Butterflies
- Clouded Yellow
- Comma
- Common Blue
- Gatekeeper
- Green Hairstreak
- Green-veined White
- Large Skipper
- Large White
- Meadow Brown
- Ringlet
- Small Copper
- Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
- Small Skipper
- Small Tortoiseshell
- Small White
- Speckled Wood
Notable plants
- Pale Butterwort
- Lesser Skullcap
Notable mammals
- Otter
Features
The reserve is a fine example of 'Culm Pasture' - the wet, heathy grassland dominated by Purple Moor-grass that is one of the most important wildlife habitats in western parts of the British Isles. The reserve slopes down to the river Haddeo and is bordered by the raised beech hedgebanks typical of the area. The reserve is maintained through light grazing with Exmoor ponies and scrub control.
Area: 5 hectares
Directions
Map Reference: ST 737 103 Ordnance Surevy map: 194
The reserve lies on the north side of the B3190 at Upton, just east of Wimbleball Lake. The car park for the Church opposite the reserve may be used for parking. Please take care when crossing this fast road - there is no pavement.
Public transport
Tiverton Parkway (10 miles) is the nearest railway station.
Site Access and safety
The reserve entrance is through a field gate and stile, which are being modified to provide easier access. In dry weather the road-side part of the reserve has firm ground with a short turf, the rest of the site is rather wet in parts, even in summer.
Please do not attempt to approach or feed the Exmoor ponies - they are free-ranging animals and can be upset by dogs so please keep those on leads and under control.
Notable nearby sites
Haddon Hill (Heath Fritillary site), Rackenford Moor (Devon Wildlife Trust reserve - Marsh Fritillary site), Langford Heathfield (Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve).
Contact
Roger Sedgbeer
- Tel: 01984 624 649