Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Black-a-Tor Copse NNR, above the valley of the West Okement River, is an area of oak woodland, granite clitter (loose rocks) and moorland 1,200ft above sea level. It is one of only three examples of Devon’s high altitude oak woodlands, and one of the best in Britain for its nationally important rare lichens and mosses that wreathe the trees and rocks. Twenty species of breeding birds have been recorded in the woodland and surrounding habitat, including summer visitors such as the ring ouzel and redstart. The woodland is lightly grazed by the cattle, sheep and ponies that live on the open moorland, and they help sustain the open character and abundant lichens and mosses of the woodland. The moorland is also periodically burnt in an ancient practice known as ‘swaling’. This provides patches of more palatable grass for livestock in spring and reduces the spread of gorse and young trees.

Location

Meldon

About the area

Devon sums up all that is best about the British landscape, with its magnificent coastlines, two historic cities, the world-famous Dartmoor National Park and south Devon’s glorious English Riviera. A fashionable and much-loved holiday destination, hiking and cycling in the National Parks is extremely popular among visitors, with a great choice of off-road routes.