Habitat type: Grassland, heathland, woodland scrub, ponds and mire
Size of reserve: 9 hectares / 22 acres
OS map number: 106
Grid reference: SW 921 615
Best time to visit: All year, but drier in summer
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Directions
From the roundabout on the A39 south of St Columb Major, take the turning for Springfield's Pony Centre. Take the first left and the reserve entrance is on the right, opposite Quoit Farm.
Access
Limited parking is available on the public road adjacent to the site. Pedestrian access is difficult, the ground is wet and tussocky in places. Boardwalk from the road to the east, to the middle wetland enclosure, which is relatively dry.
Characteristic wildlife of this reserve
Reed buntings breed in wetland areas such as this reserve but, despite the name, they do not depend on reeds. The cock is especially conspicuous in the mating season, with its black and white cap, bib and white collar, perkily on guard and piping its alarm, while the female and fluffy black nestlings huddle in their cup-like grassy nest. During the winter, they flock in fields, gardens and even into built-up areas, to feed and gather each night in communal roosts.
Bog myrtle is a low growing deciduous shrub with dark green leaves that has many stalkless yellow glands which produce a resinous fragrance if the leaves are bruised or rubbed. The plant, once used as a fly repellent, is widespread. Before the use of hops, bog myrtle was used to flavour beer.
Cornwall and Devon now have the highest population of otters in England. Otters have long slender bodies covered with brown fur, often paler on their belly, and small ears. They mark their ranges; the area where they hunt, with spraint; faeces having a sweet, musky smell. They live in holts.
Other information
This reserve is in close proximity to the internationally important habitat on Goss Moor.
