Ashculm Turbary, a Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve, is a springline mire which is a very typical habitat found in the Blackdown Hills AONB. Where bands of permeable greensand meet impermeable clay sub-soils, we get very wet mires with continually flowing springs and deep, quaking bogs!
These permanently wet soils provide excellent habitat for wet heath and peat bog plants, now rare or declining in Devon.
Ashculm Turbary is home to a variety of interesting invertebrate species, including the keeled skimmer dragonfly, which is scarce in Britain. Over 50 species of birds visit or breed on the reserve.
Type of habitat:
Springline mire
Look out for:
Common lizard, cross-leaved heath, western gorse, round-leaved sundew, and a wide range of sphagnum mosses.
Designation:
Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Managed/owned by:
Devon Wildlife Trust / Hemyock Parish Council
Best time to visit:
April to September
Location:
Grid reference: ST146157
Nearest postcode: EX15 3XA
Parking/access:
The terrain is wet and challenging in places, visitors are advised to wear good boots. Park elsewhere and access the site via public footpaths.