Native Species

Whilst we look after, and help preserve, some of the rarest and most endangered animals in the world, we are equally dedicated to protecting and encouraging our native flora and fauna.

Many native woodland plants such as bluebell, wild garlic, foxglove and red campion occur within the woodland and are used as part of our planting scheme to further encourage wildlife. The nationally rare Ivy Broomrape, a parasitic plant on the roots of ivy, occurs and is protected on our site.

We have planted an exterior hedge of native species including holly, hazel, field maple and wild cherry. All the species we have planted have attributes of significant benefit to our native wildlife be it nectar-rich flowers, edible foliage and their fruits and nuts. The extension will also include a pond to encourage native species.

A butterfly garden has been planted with varieties of native cottage-garden and more exotic species to provide flowers and nectar throughout the year. Our diary of observed species in the summer of 2009 included many of the more common species such as peacock, red admiral, small tortoise shell, painted lady, holly blue, common blue, small copper, meadow brown, wall brown, gatekeeper and more unusual species such as elephant and hummingbird hawkmoths and our Devon speciality, the Jersey Tiger moth.

We have recently converted a small area from rough grassland into a meadow area with native perennials such as ox-eye daisy, meadow cranesbill, valerian, teasel and other native plants to further encourage native fauna.

With the local biodiversity officer we have constructed and erected bat boxes within the Trust.

The Trust provides a safe haven for many of our local birds and mammals in our trees and shrubs for nesting sites and food supply throughout the year.