Marsland Valley facts for kids

A ford in the wood

Marsland Valley is a special nature reserve located in two large valleys. These valleys are right on the border between Devon and Cornwall in England. It's a place where nature is protected and cared for.

The Marsland Valley reserve is managed by two groups: the Devon Wildlife Trust and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. These groups work together to keep the valley safe for plants and animals. It's also a "Special Area of Conservation," which means it's super important for wildlife in Europe. Plus, parts of it are "Sites of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI). This means they have very important plants, animals, or geological features. The SSSI areas here are called Steeple Point to Marsland Mouth (in Cornwall) and Marsland to Clovelly Coast (in Devon).

The valley is close to the small villages of Gooseham and Morwenstow. It's about ten miles north of Bude, a town on the Atlantic coast of Cornwall. A stream called Marsland Water flows through the valley and goes straight into the sea at a spot called Marsland Mouth.

The land for this reserve was given by a kind person named Christopher Cadbury. He was a former president of the Royal Society for Nature Conservation. He wanted to make sure this beautiful place would be protected forever.

Wildlife in Marsland Valley

Marsland Valley is a fantastic place to see different kinds of animals and insects. It's home to some really special creatures.

Mammals

You might be lucky enough to spot Roe deer here. These graceful deer are native to Britain and are quite shy. They often hide among the trees and bushes.

Butterflies

The valley is famous for its butterflies. You can see the beautiful purple hairstreak butterfly, which often hangs out near oak trees. Even more exciting, two very rare types of butterflies live here: the pearl-bordered fritillary and the small pearl-bordered fritillary. These butterflies need specific types of plants to lay their eggs and for their caterpillars to eat.

Caring for the Habitat

To help these rare butterflies and other insects, people manage the trees in some parts of the valley. On the south-facing slopes near Gooseham Mill, trees are "coppiced." This means they are cut back regularly to create open areas. This helps sunlight reach the ground. The plants on the ground are also thinned out to keep them low. This way, many different kinds of wildflowers can grow, which then attract more insects.

Marsland Valley and the Coast

Marsland Mouth, where Marsland Water meets the sea, is an important coastal spot. It marks the western end of the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). An AONB is a special area that has amazing natural beauty and is protected. Marsland Valley also includes part of the Hartland section of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means the stunning coastal scenery here is recognized and protected for everyone to enjoy.