A Culm grassland meadow at Volehouse Moor nature reserve. Photo, David Chamberlain
Roe deer. Photo, Alexander Backus
Location
Between Bradworthy and Putford
OS Map Reference
SS 344 164
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoParking information
Limited roadside parkingBicycle parking
NoGrazing animals
YesWalking trails
The terrain is rough, unsurfaced and there are some steep gradients in places. Wellingtons are strongly advised. There is no crossing point over the river so each half of the site must be explored seperately. Allow 2 hours to fully explore.
Access
Rough, wet terrain. The terrain is rough, unsurfaced and there are some steep gradients in places. Wellingtons are strongly advised.
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
May to SeptemberAbout the reserve
Tucked away in the undulating north-west Devon countryside, Volehouse Moor is a reserve divided into two halves by the River Torridge.
Its series of Culm wildflower meadows are bordered by traditional hedgebanks. In summer these meadows are filled with the flowers of heath-spotted orchids, ragged robin, yellow rattle and meadow thistles.
Contact us
Environmental designation
Heath-spotted orchid. Photo, David Kilbey
Day and night
Marbled white butterflies and rare marsh fritillaries move between flowerheads, while buzzards circle high above.
At night dormice move among the hedges and traditional Devon hedge banks that border the fields, while bats hunt moths across the tops of the grasses.
Full of song
Woodland takes over at the bottom of Volehouse Moor's gently sloping sides. Wet in parts, the trees provide cover for birds including tree pipits, blackcaps and garden warblers to sing from.
Otters take advantage of the good supply of frogs that live here, while kingfishers use the low boughs of trees which overhang the river to dive for bullheads, sticklebacks and minnows.
Volehouse Moor with the River Torridge in its valley. Photo, David Chamberlain
Marsh fritillary. Photo, Chris Root
Surveying for marsh fritillary butterfly caterpillars at Volehouse Moor
The River Torridge at Volehouse Moor nature reserve
Roe deer. Photo, Alexander Backus