Dendles Wood NNR is an area of upland oak-beech woodland located in a narrow gorge of the River Yealm. The woodland is rich in ferns, mosses and lichens.
Main habitats: woodland
This is a hazardous site and for health and safety reasons public access is limited to permit holders. For details contact the site manager using the contact details below.
Features of interest
The woodland is of particular scientific interest because it is a mixed oak-beech wood pasture which predates a large scale planting of beech in Devon in the sixteenth century. The beech is therefore assumed to be native at the edge of its natural range.
The typical damp conditions of upland Atlantic oak woods encourages a rich community of lichens and mosses. Breeding birds include redstart, wood warbler and pied flycatcher.
Seven species of bat have been found here including the nationally rare barbastelle bat which breeds here. There is a good population of the blue ground beetle which is a red data book species.
The best times to visit are from mid-April to mid-June for woodland birds and bluebells.
Directions
The nearest train station is in Ivybridge.
A bus service from Plymouth to Cornwood. For details see the Traveline SW.
Cornwood is accessed via minor roads from the A38 and the nearest car parking is in the village.
Contact
For more information about the reserve, to discuss school visits or volunteering opportunities contact the reserve team by telephone 01626 832330 or email