Pebblebed Heaths is the largest block of lowland heath in Devon. It’s an internationally important representative of the inland Atlantic-climate, lowland heathlands of Britain and north-west Europe. The NNR is managed by Clinton Devon Estates, the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, RSPB and Devon Wildlife Trust. A significant feature of the site is the diversity of heathland-associated plant and animal communities that reflect the varied topography, geology, hydrology and water chemistry of the area. The majority of this NNR is also designated as site of special scientific interest (SSSI), special area of conservation (SAC), special protection area (SPA), and forms part of the landscape of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Features of interest The site overlies Triassic Bunter Pebblebeds, with some New Red Sandstone and Permian Marls. The lowland heaths are made up of heathers, gorse, grasses and bracken with a scattering of trees. A series of shallow valleys gives rise to distinct changes of vegetation. The dry heath gives way to wet heath with flushes on the valley sides, and to valley mire with patches of willow scrub mainly on the valley floors. The diversity of the site results an excellent habitat for over 70 breeding bird species including nightjar and Dartford warbler along with 21 breeding dragonfly species. In total, over 3000 species have been recorded across the site, of which 375 are of particular conservation interest due to their status. Further information can be found on the Pebblebed Heaths NNR website Directions By car: the site can be accessed by the A3052 and then following minor roads to your chosen area of the NNR. There are a range of car parks across the reserve. By public transport: see https://www.travelinesw.com for more details Contact For more information about the reserve, to discuss school visits, volunteering and research opportunities contact the site manager for Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust by: Email: mail@pebblebedheaths.org.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1395 443881