Rackenford and Knowstone Moors

(Photo provided by Devon Wildlife Trust)

This wonderful, but wild and windswept, site is one of the largest remaining areas of Culm grassland. This rare habitat once dominated the landscape of northern Devon. It consists of a mixture of wet grassland, heath, bog and scrub and supports a wide diversity of wildlife.

The reserve has a rich flora, including such species as heath spotted orchid, marsh violet, devil"s-bit scabious, bog asphodel and bogbean. The animal life is also abundant. The reserve supports 28 species of butterflies, including the rare marsh fritillary, and a variety of birds including curlew, stonechat and willow warbler and, in winter, woodcock and snipe. Red deer are a common site.

Where: SS 858211
When: All year round.
Facilities: Disabled Access, Bird Hides, Visitor Centre,
Hints and Tips: There is free access over the entire reserve, but with few recognised trails or paths. The terrain is extremely rough and includes many boggy areas, so wellingtons are essential!