Dartmoor National Park Authority
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Sampford Spiney SSSI (SX5472)
© Angus Graham
Includes areas of ancient woodland of exceptional importance for its diversity of lichen flora which contains many rare species as well as plants such as Bluebells and Royal Fern. Some areas are waterlogged and contain typical moorland bog plants including Bog St John’s Wort, Hare’s Tail Cotton-grass and Bog Pondweed. The River Walkham and its tributaries are fast-flowing and provide a major spawning ground for Salmon, Sea Trout and aquatic invertebrates typical of this habitat. The whole area is important for birds including Dipper and Grey Wagtail near the river and Redstart, Buzzard and Wood Warbler in the woodland. Butterflies include the rare Marsh Fritillary, as well as Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Green Hairstreak and Holly Blue. There are self-guided walks available in various books and some areas have public access but much is in private ownership.
Page updated 27 August 2009
