Little Breach, Devon

Part of the Blackdown and Sampford Commons Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Little Breach reserve is an area of heathy grassland with bracken, blackthorn and birch scrub.

Features

This reserve comprises two small meadows between the heathland common and adjoining forestry. They support a varied grassland cover with stands of bracken and scrub, as well as outgrown hedgerows.

Area: 0.7 hectares (1.7 acres)

Directions

Grid Reference: ST 115 155 O.S. Map: 193

From Nicholashayne, south-west of Wellington, follow the minor road south towards Woodgate
Turn left after a quarter of a mile at the crossroads up the track
Park at Purchas Farm
Follow the bridleway north-east, turning east at the top of the hill

Site access and safety

The reserve entrance is through kissing gates and there is a reserve sign and bench. There are no footpaths on this gently sloping site, but one runs along its western side. Access is on a permissive basis and, being small, it is not suitable for dog walking. The adjoining large Common is Open Access and a good place to exercise dogs when ground-nesting birds will not be disturbed.

Most ticks are little more than an irritation, but a few can transmit Lyme disease, a rare and potentially serious illness which is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early. It is therefore important to be informed and take some simple precautions.