10 members of the Devonshire Association Botany Section came on a site visit to our land in the Swincombe valley on the 20th of June. These included the BSBI (Botanical Society for the British Isles) county recorder and a member of DBRC (Devon Biological Records Centre) field survey team, as well as other top notch botanical surveyors. They joined DPA Ecological Consultant, Albert Knott, to survey specialist and notable plants that grow in damp conditions. Of special interest was an array of sedges, including white sedge, bottle sedge and star sedge.
Recording specimens of white sedge was the highlight, and main aim of the day. This species was recorded growing alongside bottle sedge, which was spotted in abundance. Star sedge was also numerous, and greater tussock sedge was found on dryer areas. The visiting botanists recorded over 100 species of plant, most preferring the wet conditions of the mire. Some plants preferred river edges, such as spearwort, and special varieties of scaly male fern were found among the rock in the Swincombe valley.
Those who took part expressed that they had an excellent day, finding the selection of flora growing on DPA owned land to be very varied. The presence of white sedge, which thrives in acidic, boggy ground, is a positive indicator of the health of mire habitats.
Since acquiring our land at Swincombe in 1985, the DPA has devoted itself to nurturing the health of the mires and open moorland. Nearby Fox Tor mire, famously believed to have inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Grimpen Mire in The Hound of the Baskervilles, is an important example of a SSSI mire on Dartmoor considered to be in favourable condition. As well as the special sedges, other interesting species are found here, including Lemon-scented Fern, Lesser Spearwort, and Bog Stitchwort. These species are indicators of healthy wetland ecosystems: Lemon-scented Fern flourishes in damp, acidic soils, Lesser Spearwort, with its bright yellow flowers, thrives along water edges; while Bog Stitchwort spreads across boggy areas.
Maintaining open moorland requires thoughtful grazing, which preserves the dramatic views while supporting the delicate wildlife and rare plants that thrive here. Committing to regular surveys, such as this one carried out by the Devonshire Association, allows us to have up to date information on the health of this important ecosystem. Following the refreshed Land Management Plan, which we worked with Albert Knott to create for Swincombe, we will be further boosting our current program of surveying and maintaining protection of the rare tin streaming archaeology. We are also engaging with the Central Dartmoor Landscape Recovery Area to collaborate on habitat maintenance, tree planting (where appropriate) and Natural Flood Management.
Our volunteers are at the heart of our Land Management practices, and we couldn’t take such excellent care of our four land holdings without them. We’re always looking for more volunteers to join our friendly team, and can offer a range of tasks for different ages and abilities. Find a full list of upcoming opportunities on our website.