Devonshire Oct to Dec 17

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GARDENING Nature Matters by Stephen Hussey of the Devon Wildlife Trust It’s a family day out... We - wife, two children and I - have come to the heart of Dartmoor. We’ve barely begun to explore when our first wildlife experience of the day comes into view, and then leaves again just as quickly. Stepping off the narrow road between Postbridge and the hamlet of Bellever we’re walking a broad pathway through grass and the autumn deadheads of wildflowers when we disturb a grazing roe deer. With bouncing athleticism, it takes off and in a few seconds disappears into the distance. We’re left to discover the open spaces of Bellever Moor and Meadows nature reserve. Its sweeping meadows, sub-divided by granite walls, were a few bounds for the deer, but it takes us the next couple of hours to fully explore. What to see - Roe deer this kind of hay meadow. It’s a landscape which has gone missing from much of the remainder of Dartmoor, let alone the wider countryside. But at more than 70 hectares Bellever nature reserve is a sizeable reminder of what wonderful places they are. (photo Alexander Backus) For those who take the time to find it, Bellever Moor and Meadows also possesses a different side. Taking a 15 minute walk through Bellever hamlet past its Youth Hostel and forestry workers cottages we come across part two of the nature reserve. This is a place called Laughter Hole and there’s a distinct contrast here to the open moorland we’ve just been exploring. A patchwork of nine much smaller fields are marked out by dry stone walls and enclosed by the striking evergreen background of Bellever Forest. This is a more intimate space and its pleasures come closer to hand. Along the track through the fields we rub shoulders with the tall yellow fading flower heads of ragwort mingled with the last purples of the season courtesy of rosebay willowherb. Picking one of the fields at random we enter through a gate into a field which quickly provides a quickfire test of our botany skills. Knapweed, bird’s foot trefoil, creeping buttercup, germander speedwell are among the plants we do know, but that are many others we don’t! In spring and summer, with flowers on show, the job of identification should get easier. Back through a gate and along a track towards the edge of the conifer forest we arrive at a final, remarkable sight - a tree whose canopy drips with lichen. Its branches are home to a huge collection of sausage lichen that dangles towards us. The tree looks odd with its decoration, but the lichen’s abundance is a positive sign, a mark of the good, clean air hereabouts. It’s a scene that might appear in a tropical rainforest - but the keen wind and the first drops of a cold autumn shower are enough to keep us in the present and remind us that it’s time to turn for home. Visiting Bellever Moor and Meadows Bellever Moor and Meadows can be found close to the Dartmoor village of Postbridge. Go to www.devonwildlifetrust.org/ wildlife/reserves for directions and visitor details. The truth is we’re in no hurry, there’s plenty to experience. Meadow pipits fly up from the tall grasses as we walk, we meet linnets sat along a strand of boundary fence wire and hear ravens and buzzards overhead. Then there’s the scent of grasses, herbs and wildflowers as we take each step ‒ a faint reminder of the summer just past. Much of the nature reserve is covered in Great open space at Bellever Moor and Meadows nature reserve 90 Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk
DEVONSHIRE GARDEN GARDENING in association with SEE HOW OUR GARDEN GLOWS 17 NOVEMBER – 6 JANUARY THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS UNTIL 8PM Explore a world of magical illuminations as dusk falls on our extended trail Simple suppers are available (booking essential 01805 626810). For garden tickets and promotions visit rhs.org.uk/rosemoor Great Torrington, Devon. RHS members go free. RHS Registered Charity Number: 222879 / SC038262 Christmas wrapped up naturally Christmas is coming... Fresh Christmas trees and decorations Find great festive decorations for Christmas and lots, lots more at Greenfingers! Got a question? Our staff are fully trained and would be happy to help. Greenfingers GARDEN CENTRE Come and enjoy our Italian Coffee with a friend - and pick up a Devonshire magazine! Christmas Trees Lights and decorations Gifts and cards Holly wreathes & mistletoe Plus our home grown plants to brighten your home & garden Open: Mon-Sat 9-5 Sun 10.30-4.30 Sidmouth Rd , Clyst St Mary, EX5 1AE 01392 876281 St Bridget Nurseries www.stbridgetnurseries.co.uk hubcast .co.u k Find out what’s on in Devon 91
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Devonshire Oct to Dec 17

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