Dartmoor Wildlife Gains Ground with Collaven Moor

Late last year, Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) sent out word to help Dartmoor wildlife. Collaven Moor, just a 20 minute drive from our holiday park was up for grabs. The chance to protect more of our local wildlife being too good to miss, we happily supported DWT to buy Collaven Moor. With enough donations, we could double to size of the neighbouring Sourton Quarry Nature Reserve.

 

It’s been a fantastic appeal to watch. Many generous donations have been made to help protect more of our rare plants, butterflies, birds and damselflies. This month, we discovered DWT smashed their target weeks before the appeal ended. Collaven Moor will become the newest nature reserve in our area!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is Collaven Moor important for Dartmoor wildlife?

Collaven Moor, and the neighbouring Sourton Quarry Nature Reserve, boast a diverse collection for wildflowers, grasses and other vegetation. This diversity isn’t just beautiful in its own right, it also supports many threatened insects and birds native to the area.

 

What kind of Dartmoor wildlife is found on Collaven Moor?

Collaven Moor is botanically rich. Grassland, fen meadows and heath make up most of the 9 hectares. Great burnet, meadow thistle, wavy St John’s wort and ragged robin are some of the rarer plants providing a food source for the unique species that make this quarry home.

 

Flitting, fluttering and flying above the meadows and heath are yellow tits, grasshopper warblers, narrow-bordered bee hawkmoths, and common blue butterflies. You’ll also find southern damselflies and marsh fritillary butterflies in this new nature reserve.

 

Plans for supporting Dartmoor’s rare wildlife

Now DWT have the funds to buy Collaven Moor, they plan to manage the vegetation and diverse plant communities to help support the Dartmoor wildlife calling the area home. High on their priority list are the plants next to streams criss-crossing the nature reserve. These plants support the

lifecycle of rare southern damselflies. Simply managing this part of Collaven Moor will help these delicate insects expand their territory and thrive.

We are huge supporters of the unique plants and creatures found on Dartmoor. From beautiful wildflowers, to the frisky Dartmoor ponies, we’re happy to help you spot Dartmoor wildlife when you come to stay. You can check out our blog for tips or just ask us while you’re here!

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