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29. Puxton Moor
Grid ref: 413 632 / Area: 67.0 hectares
Set within the heart of the North Somerset Levels
and Moors, Puxton Moor is a large area of pasture land
networked with species-rich rhynes. Now saved from
major development, the site will be managed as a nature
reserve to safeguard its wildlife and archaeological
interest.
How to get there
We encourage visitors
to use environmentally friendly forms of transport
wherever possible. Most of our reserves are easily
accessible by bicycle, with many close to the National
Cycle Network. Click
here to view a location map of
the reserve on the National Cycle Network website.
Alternatively, from the A370 at Hewish turn south
into Puxton. Park opposite the church within the village
of Puxton.
The reserve can be accessed from Dolemoor Lane. Parking
is restricted - please do not park and block any cottage,
farm or field entrances. Good bus services to Hewish
from major centres.
Access
As well as the public footpaths
that cross the reserve, there is an open access arrangement
across the site. Caution - many of the rhynes are steep-sided
and contain deep water.
Wildlife and conservation
Species-rich
rhynes, grazing pasture and hay meadows. The rhynes
are full of rare plants such as frogbit and rootless
duckweed, along with many scarce invertebrates such
as hairy dragonfly and water scorpion.
During the spring and summer the fields are lightly
grazed with cattle to provide the correct habitat for
ground nesting birds such as skylark. The rhynes contain
reed and sedge warblers, and in some areas of the wet
scrub lesser whitethroat and reed bunting can be heard.
Whimbrel are often seen here on migration during the
spring. During the summer dragonflies can be found
patrolling the wet ditches. These watercourses will
be cleared out on rotation to maintain their interest.
The site also contains a relict roman landscape which
is evident in many of the fields. This 2000 year-old
settlement, which is nationally important, will be
studied through the work of a team of archaeologists.
Medieval earthworks will also be investigated and safeguarded
though the reserve management.
Further information
This site was purchased and managed through support
from the Heritage Lottery Fund, ARC, North Somerset
Council and public donation.
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