The Protected and Rare Species on Exmoor

Exmoors landscape has been sculpted by the presence of human inhabitants. Deforestation and the development of agriculture reshaped the land as woodland were cleared, new species were introduced and new methods in controlling unwanted ones. The national park is around 267 square miles with a diverse amount of habitat type and an array of rare species. The habitats range from coastal oak woodland, heather laden moor, ancient woodland, rivers and streams and the beach.

This provides niche opportunity for many species that thrive in the micro environments but with this comes the problem of how we manage the land to suit the conditions of each species. For example by clearing the bracken and burning the gorse at the wrong time of year can create raging fires and disturb the important breeding periods of protected birds such as the red grouse. The way we interact with our local environment has a profound effect on the surrounding flora and fauna. Exmoor is the home to biodiversity action plan species such as the bilberry, high brown fritillary butterfly and the greater and lesser horseshoe bats and countless other birds, insects, fungi and lichens.

It is thought that one species of lichen Opegrapha fumosa is endemic (native/ restricted) to Exmoor, this seems to be the case for many lichens on Dartmoor and Exmoor that thrive on the coastal conditions clean air and the dense and humid conditions of ancient woodland. The Devon hedge can be seen all over Exmoor and is a traditional method of the county that is now used all around the country as well as in France. Hedgerows are rich in biodiversity and act as a stop gap for rare bees, birds and small mammals such as the protected dormouse. After the second world war the government funded farmers to cut hedgerows down to expand agricultural potential, after realising the importance of the humble hedgerow the government is now funding farmers to rebuild hedgerows in the name of nature.

And how could we forget Exmoors most charismatic native the Ponies, the Exmoor pony is recognised as an endangered breed and monitored closely for health and survival rates in cold winters. By recognising the breeding times and ecological patterns of these protected species we can work around and with them and prevent damage to their habitats and natural migration routes.

Established in 1983, Exmoor Safari is the longest and most esteemed safari in operation within the Exmoor National Park. Operating out of the picturesque village of Exford situated within the heart of the National Park. Why not try our  Exmoor Safari to see the real Exmoor.

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