Bodmin Moor facts for kids
Bodmin Moor is a large, open area of land in northeastern Cornwall, United Kingdom. It's a special type of landscape called a moorland. This moorland is made of granite rock.
It covers about 208 square kilometers (80 square miles). The rocks here are very old, forming during a time called the Carboniferous period. Bodmin Moor is one of five big granite rock formations found underground in Cornwall.
The name 'Bodmin Moor' is quite new, first used in 1813. Before that, it was called 'Fowey Moor'. This was because of the River Fowey, which starts on the moor. For a long time, a main road, now called the A30, has crossed Bodmin Moor.
Exploring Bodmin Moor's Landscape
Tall, rocky hills called granite tors stand out across the moorland. The most famous ones are Brown Willy and Rough Tor. Brown Willy is the highest point in Cornwall, reaching 417 meters (1,368 feet) high. Rough Tor is also very tall at 400 meters (1,312 feet).
Many parts of the moor are wet and marshy. But in hot summers, these areas can dry out. The rest of the moor is mostly rough grass or covered in heather. Heather is a low-growing plant with small purple flowers.
About 500 farms are located on Bodmin Moor. These farms are home to around 10,000 beef cows and 55,000 sheep. There are also about 1,000 horses and ponies. Most of the moor is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a special place for wildlife and nature. It's also part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This protects its beautiful landscape.
Rivers and Lakes of the Moor
Bodmin Moor is where several of Cornwall's rivers begin. Here are some of them, listed starting from the south:
- The River Fowey starts high up at 290 meters (950 feet). It flows through Lostwithiel and into the Fowey estuary.
- The River Tiddy begins near Pensilva. It then flows into the River Lynher.
- The River Inny starts near Davidstow. It flows southeast into the River Tamar.
- The River Camel begins on Hendraburnick Down. It flows for about 40 kilometers (25 miles). It then joins the sea at Padstow.
- The De Lank River starts near Roughtor. It flows into the Camel south of Wenford.
- The River Warleggan begins near Temple. It flows south to join the Fowey.
The moor also has some important inland waters. Dozmary Pool is Cornwall's only natural lake. There are also three reservoirs: Colliford Lake, Siblyback Lake, and Crowdy reservoir. These reservoirs provide drinking water for many people in Cornwall.
Images for kids
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Rough Tor
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A map showing Bodmin Moor (number 5) and other granite areas in Cornwall.
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Siblyback Lake
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The De Lank River at Garrow Tor
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Church in St Neot
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Hawk's Tor, west of North Hill
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Rivers south of Bodmin Moor
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Rivers southeast of Bodmin moor
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Rivers northwest of Bodmin Moor
