A Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
A wonderful heathland haven with some very special wildlife.
About the reserve
Chudleigh Knighton Heath is a heathland mosaic of gorse, heather and grassland. This was once the landscape which stretched for miles across what is known locally as the Bovey Basin. Today, the nature reserve is a reminder of what has been lost and also acts as a vital heathland home to some special wildlife.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/chudleigh-knighton-heath
Summer nights
From May to July an evening walk on Chudleigh Knighton's becomes a a magical experience thanks to the accompanying sounds of calling nightjars. These African migrant birds come to the reserve to breed and raise their young. By day they use their wonderful camouflage to stay hidden, but at night they take to the air and bring the reserve to life.
The nature reserve's ponds and areas of wet heathland also make this a great place to see dragonflies and damselflies.
Take the ant trail
In May 2016 Devon Wildlife Trust and Hennock Parish Council opened an 'Ant Trail'. This leads visitors on a circular route through the reserve and back to the nearby village of Chudleigh Knighton.
The trail is named after the reserve's most famous local resident: the narrow-headed ant. Chudleigh Knighton is the only place in England in which the ant is still found.
Visit our nearby reserves
Combine a visit to this nature reserve with one to nearby Little Bradley Ponds. If you like heathland then you'll also enjoy visiting our Bovey Heathfield nature reserve - just 10 minutes away by road. You can visit all three nature reserves by taking our 4.5 mile Bovey Basin Wild Walk.
Our Teigngrace Meadow nature reserve is also just a short journey along the A38.
Bovey Basin Wild Walk
Starts: 2 miles east of Bovey Tracey, Length: 4.5 miles, Highlights include: heather and heathland birds at DWT Bovey Heathfield nature reserve, dragonflies and peaceful ponds at DWT Little Bradley Ponds nature reserve, butterflies and heathland birds at DWT Chudleigh Knighton Heath nature reserve.
DWT - Bovey Heathfield
Paths lead you through a heathland landscape of gorse and heather. A great place to spot secretive reptiles and nightjars. This is one of the best remaining examples of the heathland landscape which once dominated this part of Devon. Take any one of a number of paths to explore the reserve's heather and gorse covered landscape. As you go look out for basking reptiles - common lizards, adders and grass snakes all live here.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/bovey-heathfield
DWT - Little Bradley Ponds
This nature reserve is one of Devon's top places for dragonfly and damselfly watching. Bring binoculars for an up close view of these wonderful insects.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/little-bradley-ponds
DWT - Teigngrace Meadow
A fascinating 'new' landscape created from the diggings of nearby clay quarries. Birds, butterflies and wildflowers jostle for room amongst its meadowland and steep-sided slopes.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/teigngrace-meadow
Exeter - Bovey Tracey - Newton Abbot
Daily, hourly Live Map - bustimes.org
Bus Stops: Newton Abbot Sherborne Road (Stop B) - Heathfield Drumbridges Roundabout (SW-bound) - Heathfield Cavalier Road (NE-bound) - Bovey Tracey Riverside Surgery (SE-bound) - Bovey Tracey Lloyds Pharmacy (Stop A) - Bovey Tracey Lloyds Pharmacy (Stop A) - Chudleigh Knighton, opp Village Hall - Chudleigh, adj Memorial - Marsh Barton Matford P&R (S-bound) - Wonford R D & E Hospital (N-bound) - Exeter Bus Station
https://bustimes.org/services/39-exeter-bovey-tracey-newton-abbot
