Lickham Common
Location
OS Map Reference
ST 128 122
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoParking information
Park on the road near the track leading to Glydon and Lickham Cottage (ST 127 123)Grazing animals
YesWalking trails
Steep track to the reserve; ground can be very wet and boggy and the going can be very difficult even in dry weather. Allow 45 minutes to explore the reserve.
Access
Open site that is wet and rough. Steep track to the reserve; ground can be very wet and boggy and the going can be very difficult even in dry weather. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
May to SeptemberAbout the reserve
A wet heathland area surrounded by woodland. A fascinating mix of heathland plants.
This isn't the easiest nature reserve to find or to explore. Made up of wet and boggy heathland it's a challenge to stay dry, but it is worth the effort!
Habitat
Contact us
Environmental designation
Location map
Adder. Photo, Chris Root
This kind of heathland was once much more common in these parts but now Lickham Common is a rare example. It takes Devon Wildlife Trust a great deal of effort and the grazing of our herd of Exmoor ponies to maintain it.
In amongst the tall purple moor grass grow marsh violets, lesser spearwort and horsetails. Frogs and toads also thrive in the wet conditions, and the dense grassland provides good cover for adders, grass snakes and slow-worms. Tread slowly and you may catch a glimpse.
Explore the Blackdown Hills from here
Lickham Common forms part of a chain of three nature reserves in the Blackdown Hills cared for by Devon Wildlife Trust. Take time to discover the others at Ashculm Turbary and Clayhidon Turbary.
Common frog. Photo, Mike Taylor
Woodcock. Photo, Margaret Holland