Bovey Heath

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Bovey Heath became a Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve in 2002 and then became a Local Nature Reserve in 2003. The site lies on the outskirts of Bovey Tracey and Heathfield in south Devon.

Primarily heathland habitat, although with some wet mature oak woodland, the site is home to rare species such as the Dartford warbler, stonechat, nightjar and the narrow headed ant. The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as being home to a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

[edit] History

A regionally decisive battle during the English Civil War took place on the heath on 9 Jan 1646 and many features of archeological interest remain.

The site was also used in the Second World War as a training ground for American soldiers.

Since the war it was badly neglected, used as a dumping ground and a place for unauthorised off-roading. This activity was halted by Devon Wildlife Trust when it took over the site.