3 May 2005
Take a walk in Bluebell Wood and help plan its future
The Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Head of Trees and Woodlands will lead a guided walk, on Thursday 12 May in Meldon Wood (also known as Bluebell Wood) to enable local people to enjoy this beautiful example of ancient oak woodland and discuss the draft management plan which aims to safeguard the valuable habitats and use of the woodland by all species - including humans. The walk starts at 5.00 pm from the small car park, just over the A30 flyover, Meldon (Ordnance Survey grid reference SX 566 930). This will be followed by a discussion at 6.00 pm in the car park (or, in the case of inclement weather, the Parish Hall at Meldon).
This public consultation event follows agreement by the owners of the wood, Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council, to enter an informal management agreement with Dartmoor National Park Authority. A draft woodland management plan has been prepared which can be seen on the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s web site http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and may also be inspected, during office hours, at the National Park Authority’s headquarters, Parke, Bovey Tracey, or at the Okehampton Information Point between the hours of 10.00 am and 4.00 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Rupert Lane, Head of Trees and Woodlands, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said:
‘Meldon wood is classified as ancient woodland, meaning that it has had woodland cover since at least 1600. Without doubt, it is one of the better Dartmoor woods, in respect of the lack of invasion by exotic species. The greater part of the main compartment is hazel, under an oak canopy, with superb bluebell ground flora. This has not been subject to any significant recent management, but is in very good condition. However, in small pockets within the woodland, and in increasing numbers nearby, stand sycamore and beech, which, if unchecked for several generations, will alter the rich and diverse plant and animal communities associated with western oak woodlands, the characteristic indigenous woodland type for the region.
The whole wood is open to access, with an excellent network of paths and bridleways. This freedom to explore the woods will be retained and, if needed, improved.
Please join us so that we can learn what is important to you and to ensure your comments inform the developing plan.’
Ends
For Further Information
Rupert Lane, Head of Trees and Woodlands,
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are now available on the Authority's website
You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority (see www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and click on News).
News Releases from all UK National Parks (external link, opens new window)
Notes for Editors
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England and Wales and are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,000 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
Return to General Interest News Releases 2005 Archive
This page last updated 3 May 2005
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