Natural England - East Dartmoor: what makes it special?

East Dartmoor: what makes it special?

East Dartmoor is made up of three joined but distinct areas; Yarner Wood, Trendlebere Down and the valley of the River Bovey.

Bovey Valley Woodlands

The woodlands and wet meadows of the River Bovey are the perfect place to experience the more dramatic side of Dartmoor. The fast flowing river follows a steep-sided valley that was originally formed by the Sticklepath geological fault and the middle and upper reaches provide challenging walking terrain.

At Neadon Cleave, the most northerly point of the reserve, you’ll see a spectacular section of river. Here the Bovey is almost choked by huge boulders. In dry periods, the river flows almost hidden underneath but in flood the water crashes and tumbles over the top of the boulders. Making use of the boulders as large stepping stones, the public footpath crosses the river at this point – take care here, it’s not for the faint-hearted.

To the south, the valley widens and the river slows, and the woods become mixed with a series of small wet meadows. These wildflower-rich meadows are grazed by Dartmoor Heritage ponies and are a great place to see silver-washed fritillary and marbled white butterflies.

The old stone clapper bridge at Hisley Wood is a wonderful place to stop for a picnic. It is also a useful vantage point to see brown and sea trout and the occasional salmon, as well as birds like dipper and kingfisher. The Bovey also provides an important habitat for otters and dragonflies.

Trendlebere Down

This section of the reserve is just one part of an extensive tract of open moorland that takes in Haytor Rocks. This common land has been grazed, burned and cut by local people for many centuries, and Commoners’ ponies, cattle and sheep still move freely over the entire area.

From the Higher Trendlebere car park you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over south Devon, stretching as far as the coast at Teignmouth. The lower car park provides an equally beautiful vista of the Bovey valley, and is also a good starting place for walks in this area.

In summer, for instance, a stroll along the paths and mown firebreaks of Trendlebere Down will often be rewarded with sightings of grayling butterflies, tree pipits and Dartford warblers. Once a rarity, these skulking birds can now be seen all year, their ‘scratchy’ call from a gorse bush often being the first thing to give them away.

Follow the small stream into the combe to see bog-loving plants like bog asphodel and the carnivorous round-leaved sundew. In spring and early summer, this is one of the best places to spot pearl-bordered and dark green fritillary butterflies.

Yarner Wood

The wood is renowned for its towering stands of ancient oaks, many of which are festooned in lichens, mosses and ferns. There are many woodland paths and tracks to cater for walks of any length at any time of year, including two circular nature trails, one 2.5 km long, the other 3.5 km.

Yarner Wood is a favourite haunt for bird watchers. You can see woodland birds of all kinds here, but the wood is best known for its pied flycatchers, lesser spotted woodpeckers and wood warblers. April to early June are the best months to see these beautiful and enigmatic birds.

In winter, well-stocked feeders at the bird hide attract hundreds of woodland birds who come to feed. In summer, tracks near the hide are frequented by gliding silver-washed fritillary butterflies gathering nectar from bramble flowers.

From the hide, follow the track westwards for a few hundred metres to see the former Yarrow copper mine. The timber building here, which is now a classroom and workshop, is on the site of the mine’s crushing plant. Continue west uphill to peer over the remains of the main shaft and engine house. An information board tells you much more about the history of the mine.