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Venn Ottery Nature Reserve

Venn Ottery is part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths, and is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as a Special Area of Conservation. Venn Ottery nature reserve has large areas of wet and dry heathland, a raised bog, large patches of invasive birch and willow scrub and old fields which have reverted to sallow carr and wet woodland. Old peat diggings have created numerous wet hollows.

Venn Ottery Nature Reserve - Damselfly habitat restoration. Courtesy of the Devon Wildlife Trust.

Dragonflies: Amongst a wide diversity of species, golden ringed and keeled skimmer dragonflies are commonly seen as well as green hairstreak and grayling butterflies. Nightjar, stonechat and Dartford warbler are also seen here. Muntjac deer and dormouse have been reported, and common species of reptiles and amphibians are present.

Location and access:

From A3052 at the Halfway Inn take the B3180 north towards West Hill. After 1 mile turn right towards Venn Ottery. Follow this road until the left fork (signposted to Venn Ottery) past the Otter Dean equestrian stables, on the left after 1km there is a lay-by and car park for the RSPB part of Venn Ottery Common. DWT's nature reserve can be accessed from here. From the parking area walk down the track leading across the common, down hill towards the stream. Follow the path to the right (wooden way markers sign the route to DWT nature reserve). This will take about 15minutes.

Grid reference: SY 065 920 

Venn Ottery is owned and managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust

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These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.