Dunsdon Farm National Nature Reserve

Our View

The Dunsdon Farm NNR near Holsworthy contains a nationally important example of a rare type of pasture known as culm grassland. This is a marshy, heathy vegetation which only occurs over the slates and shales of the Culm Measures across this part of northwest Devon. Dunsdonis rich in rare and spectacular wildlife. Plant life includes heath spotted, southern marsh and lesser-butterfly orchids; marsh thistle and devil’s bit scabious, which in turn support marsh-fritillary butterflies. Over 70 bird species have been recorded at Dunsdon, and breeding birds include grey heron, buzzard, sparrowhawk, skylark, song thrush, spotted flycatcher, willow tit, reed bunting, tree pipit, willow warbler, garden warbler and grasshopper warbler. Winter visitors include snipe, short-eared owl and woodcock. Barn owls use the site frequently as a feeding ground, and may be seen roosting in the trees. Mammals present on the reserve include fox, roe deer and badgers and the secretive and very rare dormouse.