Haddon Moor Reserve
Exmoor
Haddon Moor Reserve
Our Haddon Moor Reserve is on the edge of Exmoor, close to Wimbleball Lake at OS reference SS996290
About
Located on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, Haddon Moor holds 5 hectare of damp acid grassland sloping gently to a small stream which is dominated by Purple Moor-grass and with patches of willow scrub.
Butterflies & Moths
It holds a population of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, which are on the wing in late May and into June.
Sixteen species were recorded in 2018, including Green Hairstreaks, Orange-tips, Green-veined Whites, Large and Small Skippers, Marbled White, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Reserve History
Haddon Moor reserve is owned by Butterfly Conservation and was purchased in the mid 1990's.
Management
During the summer months and into autumn Exmoor ponies graze the site.
Small areas of controlled burning is carried out at times under the supervision of the Exmoor National Park team. As well as maintaining the conditions required by the flora and the dependent butterflies it produces a springtime flush of palatable grass for the ponies.
Volunteers
Charlotte Wray has been our Honorary Warden for Haddon Moor Reserve for a few years, but has sadly given up the post in November 2023.
We are looking for a new warden, so please get in touch with the committee if you interested and would like to know more about what is involved.
Conservation
The reserve has a splendid flora. As well as the Marsh Violets that are the larval foodplant of the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries there are Heath Spotted-orchids, Southern Marsh-orchids, big patches of Bog Asphodel and the very uncommon Pale Butterwort, an insectivorous plant.
Gallery
Some of the species you may see at the reserve, depending on the time of year that you visit
Directions
The reserve is located close to Wimbleball Lake at OS reference SS996290.
Access is by a gate on the north side of the B3190 where it passes through the village of Upton. The gateway is set back in the roadside hedge and easy to miss unless you drive slowly. The gate can be opened to enable you to pull your car off the road but first ensure that the inner gate is closed so that the ponies cannot get out past you. Although, it may be easier to park near the church just along the road.
Honorary Reserve Warden: Position is vacant (Dec 2023)
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