Tuesday 15th January 2013

Looking at our local Environment

On Tuesday we welcomed Michael Symes the Devon Wildlife Trust's Northern Devon, Nature Improvement Area Advisory Officer. He gave a presentation about Culm grasslands – our local unique habitat. In our area there are three main areas that have open access; Hollow Moor, Whiteleigh Meadow and Halwill Nature Reserve. He explained that they are of international importance as home to some of the nation's most threatened wildlife, such as the marsh fritillary butterfly and the narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth.

Culm grassland comprises a variety of different plant communities and this diverse flora supports several butterfly species as well as other insects, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. For the full list visit the DWT website or the 'Wildlife' pages on the main Halwill website.

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The rare marsh fritillary butterfly, it's caterpillars feed on devil's-bit scabious only!