Meldon Ecology case study
The Meldon district, on the north-west corner of Dartmoor, shows a remarkable transition from the lowland habitats of the well-known Culm measures of mid Devon, up to the highest part of one of the largest expanses of upland moorland in southern Britain. The cool temperatures and high rainfall means that blanket bogs are an important feature of the moor and home to many unusual and rare species.
Rocky tors, rushing streams, lakes and ponds, ancient woodlands and disused and active quarries combine to provide a wide range of habitats and geological features. Not surprisingly, therefore, the wider area includes three Sites of Special Scientific Interest, a European Special Area of Conservation and several areas of likely county importance for nature conservation, all of which are testament to its importance for wildlife and geological heritage.
2A. Wildlife and Conservation - General Information
2B. Special sites - Conservation designations and important areas for wildlife around Meldon
2C. Characteristic habitats of the Meldon area
2E. Designated sites and their meanings
2F. Wildlife and the law - The national and international background to conservation designations