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Description
Emsworthy Mire is a Devon Wildlife Trust reserve (since 2012), situated in a sloping valley that consists of an abandoned (1870) moorland farm (the area is believed to have been inhabited since the bronze age) and an extensive area of 'boggy' marsh (see WARNING below). Most non birdwatchers visit the reserve in early summer to see the flowering 'English' Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) that flower over a wide area, NOTE the flowering here is approximately a month later due to the high elevation of the site compared to lower level Bluebells. For birdwatchers it has an excellent bird list that includes Gøg, Grønsisken, Havesanger, Gærdesanger, Tornsanger, Rødstjert, Engpiber, Bynkefugl, Stenpikker, Ringdrossel, Skovpiber and Dobbeltbekkasin amongst many others. The reserve is only like it is today due to the hard work of a 'band' of volunteers, who have opened up areas and built signage and boardwalks to enable access to more areas.
Details
Access
The A38 (Devon Expressway) runs between Exeter (to the East) and Plymouth (to the West), runs close to the town of Bovey Tracy. Turn off A38 (near Heathfield) onto A382 to Bovey Tracy, on reaching Bovey Tracy turn Left at roundabout onto B3387 signed Haytor/Widdicome-in-the-Moor. After approximately 1 mile fork Left and continue on B3387. The road gradually rises to open moorland. On passing The National Park Visitor Centre (on Left), you soon pass Haytor Rocks (see separate entry) on the Right, continue on this road and the next high point is Saddle Tor (on the Right). The car park (approx 12 spaces - called Saddle Tor South) for Emsworthy Mire is further along this road on the Right.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Valley , Moors/heathland , River , WetlandConditions
Flat , Wet , Slippery , Rocky , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , SummerBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migration , SummerRoute
Narrow trail , Unpaved road , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
WARNING: YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED to follow recommended waymarked routes DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXTREME 'BOGGY' AREAS. These areas are very sensitive due to rare plants and nesting birds. NOTE in periods of extreme Winter weather many birds relocate to lower valleys.