Chudleigh Knighton Heath facts for kids
.jpg)
Chudleigh Knighton Heath is a very important natural area near Chudleigh Knighton in Devon, England. It's officially called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected place because it has rare lowland heath plants. These plants are special and provide a home for many unusual animals. One of these is a rare ant called Formica exsecta. This heath is one of only two places in England where you can find these ants living in the wild! The other place is Bovey Heath.
Contents
What Makes Chudleigh Knighton Heath Special?
Chudleigh Knighton Heath is a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI). This title is given to places that are very important for their plants, animals, or geology. The heath is protected because it has a rare type of habitat called lowland heath. This habitat is like a wild garden with special plants that grow in sandy, acidic soil.
Home to Rare Creatures
This unique environment helps many rare species survive. One of the most famous residents is the Formica exsecta ant. These ants are very rare in England. Chudleigh Knighton Heath is one of only two places where they live naturally. Protecting this heath helps these tiny but important creatures thrive.
Protecting Nature at the Heath
The Devon Wildlife Trust helps look after Chudleigh Knighton Heath. They rent the land from a company called Sibelco (which used to be WBB Minerals). The Trust works hard to keep the heath healthy for all its wildlife.
Ponds for Dragonflies
The Devon Wildlife Trust has created several ponds on the heath. These ponds are perfect for dragonflies. In fact, 12 different kinds of dragonflies breed here! One of these is the scarce Keeled Skimmer, a beautiful dragonfly that needs clean water to lay its eggs. Watching these colourful insects dart around the ponds is a real treat.
A Look Back: The Heath's Past
Before it became a protected nature reserve, Chudleigh Knighton Heath had a different life. It used to be the main football pitch for the village! Many sports days for Chudleigh Knighton Church of England Primary School were held there.
From Pitch to Nature Reserve
Over time, the football pitch became old and worn out. It was no longer good enough for sports. So, the school opened its own private sports field across from the village play park. Today, the old football pitch is mostly used by people walking their dogs. You can still see the rusty old football posts standing there, a reminder of its past.
