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| for
moschatel and dippers |
This small wooded valley between
Hallatrow and Clutton has a surprising variety of plant
species.
What
to look out for
The steep sides of the valley have a varied woodland
ground flora including wood anemone, moschatel (townhall
clock), goldilocks buttercup and hairy woodrush. The
slightly acidic character of the woodland flora reflects
the sandstone rocks which underlie the valley. Outcrops
of the reddish rock are obvious on the steepest slopes.
Damp areas on the valley floor have the locally scarce
small teasel plus carpets of opposite-leaved golden
saxifrage and a stand of the huge-leaved butterbur.
The stream is clean and well oxygenated with a stony
bed, ideal for dipper and grey wagtail, both of which
can be seen here. Interesting insects include the dark
bush cricket and the bloody-nosed beetle, so named
because of its habit of excreting a red blood coloured
fluid from its mouth when disturbed. Brimstone, painted
lady and red admiral butterflies can be seen in sunny
areas.
Further information
The site was donated to the Trust in
1995 as a gift from FBG Trident Limited. Management of
the reserve is carried out by the Avon Wildlife Trust
in partnership with the Cam
Valley Wildlife Group.
Access
Paths are very steep for the less mobile.
| Bike |
View a location map of the
reserve on the National
Cycle Network web-site. |
| Public transport |
Go to www.traveline.org.uk |
| Car |
Travel south on the A37 towards Wells, passing through the village of Pensford and taking the second exit at the Chelwood Roundabout and continuing on the A37. Continue through Clutton and Temple Cloud until you reach a set of traffic lights with the A39 marked on signposts. Turn left onto A39, travel over the old railway bridge and then turn left onto Hart's Lane. Travel for roughly 900m and after the industrial building park in the car park. Follow the public footpath which will lead you through Stephen's Vale.
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