Habitat type: Heathland, grassland and woodland Size of reserve: 4 hectares / 10 acres OS map number: 104 Grid reference: SW 791 514 Best time to visit: Summer for flowering meadows
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DirectionsPart of the reserve lies within the Carrick Heaths Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a collection of 10 sites within a 12 km radius of Truro, characterised by populations of Dorset heath. From A30 heading east, go left after Marazanvose. After 1 mile (1.6 km) is a small pull-in on the left and a wooden gate between two granite posts.
AccessRoadside parking and way marked path. Access to the reserve is via a track which runs through the woodland. The track can be wet and muddy so wellies are recommended!
Characteristic wildlife of this reserveDorset heath is a rare plant in the British Isles and Cornwall has the second largest area of the species of any county. It is a long-lived and vigorous shrub. Individual stems have survived for up to 20 years, It is found on wetter heathland here, flowering from June to September.
The southern marsh orchid likes wet and marshy ground. Its erect multi-bloomed flowering spikes vary from pale pinkish-lilac to deep mauve and can be seen from May to early summer.
Other informationCornish hedges are stone-faced banks filled with earth and are an excellent wildlife habitat in their own right. They support a variety of plant species and also provide refuge, shelter and food for many birds, mammals and invertebrates.
