Gotleigh and Southey Moors are probably the best examples of valley mire in the Blackdown Hills AONB.
A rich mosaic of valley mire, acid-marsh grassland and alder-birch carr spans Gotleigh Moor and neighbouring Southey Moor.
This large and complex site, straddling the Devon/Somerset border, comprises several wet valleys with mires, grassland and woodland.
Here you’ll find the headwaters of the River Culm, and the Bolham River. Small areas of standing water provide excellent habitat for amphibians and invertebrates.
Type of habitat:
Springline mire, unimproved acid grassland, wet woodland.
Look out for:
Heathers, western gorse, devil’s bit scabious, cotton grass, heath spotted-orchid, large species-rich stands of woodland.
Designation:
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Managed/owned by:
Private ownership
Best time to visit:
May to September
Location:
Grid reference: ST190110
Nearest postcode: EX15 3QF
Parking/access:
Open access. Park in Smeatharpe and walk in on the footpaths west of village.
