Devon Wildlife Trust: Action for Ash

A leading wildlife charity is urging the Government to take action as soon as possible to prevent the spread of a disease which could be devastating to Britain's iconic ash trees. 'Ash dieback' (Chalara fraxinea) is a fungal disease, which has already devastated ash woodlands in other parts of northern Europe, and has now been found in trees in Suffolk, Norfolk and Buckinghamshire. It is estimated that ash trees make up around 30% of England's woodland cover and the thousands of miles of hedgerows which knit our landscapes together. Devon Wildlife Trust's Chief Executive, Harry Barton said: "This could be the biggest threat to our woodlands in modern times. It is essential that we learn lessons from the tragedy of Dutch elm disease and act now to coordinate effort to contain this threat and to protect our woodlands" Last week Defra Secretary of State, Owen Paterson, announced measures to control the spread of the disease. The Wildlife Trusts have urged him to enforce the ban on ash imports and to bring together appropriate scientists, commercial interests, conservation organisations and representatives of landowning bodies to plan an urgent strategy to prevent 'ash dieback' from causing long term damage to the countryside. Harry Barton said: "In the Netherlands we've seen 80% of ash trees affected. We must not let this happen here. If Government and their agencies act decisively now we may be able to check the spread of the disease." The symptoms of ash die back disease are leaf loss and dieback of the tree's crown. Devon Wildlife Trust is currently planning how it will manage this threat within its own reserves, but is urging members of the public to be vigilant and, if anyone suspects that they have seen cases of ash die back, to contact the Forestry Commission Plant Health service on 0131 314 6414. More details about Ash dieback disease can be found at Devon Wildlife Trust's website www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Wider Focus. Stepping over to Exmoor

We have walked many a trail on Exmoor around Brendon Common and Doone Valley but a couple of times a year we step over the border to visit one of Somerset’s most popular attractions, the Tarr Steps. Located in Exmoor National Park between Withypool and Dulverton, there is a car park and toilets close by. (see map). The Exmoor National Park Authority are in the process of revamping the information at Tarr Steps top car park to include new interpretation boards, a new leaflet and circular walk so watch this space. At this time of year you can hear regular Kok-Kok followed by a clapping sound, this is pheasants from a local Shoot, watch out for them flying, flapping, feeding or roosting in the trees. It’s a gentle stroll down beside a lush meadow with views over to the wooded valley. You will eventually pass by Tarr Farm Inn and Restaurant before reaching the main point of interest, the ancient clapper bridge which spans the fast-running River Barle. The lower car park is for disabled visitors only, there is an ice cream kiosk here in the Spring and Summer. The Tarr Steps, like Clovelly is probably one of the most photographed tourist attractions and is popular with amateur and professional photographers as well as happy family snappers. Beside the huge stone slabs is a busy ford, 4x4’s, horse and riders make it look easy but mountain bike enthusiasts normally have a bumpy crossing and receive applause from onlookers if they succeed without falling into the brink. Canoeing is only allowed (by arrangement) downstream of Tarr Steps in order to reduce any potential impact on breeding birds and mammals. Nature lovers please note that the woodland around here is internationally significant for the mosses, liverworts and lichens. It was made a National Reserve in 2004. Local residents include dormice, which make their home in hazel, blackberry or honeysuckle. If you’re lucky you might just spot an otter or an eel. The Jubilee Trail, part of the Golden Walk series, is a short circular walk, signposted with orange waymarks from the bridge. Please scroll down for information on the longer route from Dulverton. The area is particularly colourful towards the end of October when these photographs were taken. The green spikes amongst the rusty leaves and bracken are an indication that come Spring the woods will be filled with bluebells.

 

 

  TAP HERE TO VIEW TARR STEPS FOCUS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ON FLICKR

 

Tarr Steps is a 17 span clapper bridge (a bridge made of unmortared stone slabs), the longest of its kind in Britain.  It was first mentioned in Tudor times but may be much older.  The river has silted up over the last century and often now comes over the stones in times of flood.  The bridge has had to be repaired several times as stones of up to two tonnes have been washed up to 50 metres downstream.

Official Golden Walk from Dulverton – A varied walk taking in the Tarr Steps, the beautiful wooded valley of the River Barle, the heathland of Winsford Hill and its wild ponies. Visit Exmoor National Park website for the latest information on this walk.

• Visit Exmoor National Park Authority Web Site  
• Click here for information about Tarr Steps
• Kayaking /Canoeing on the River Barle. A new booking arrangement has been agreed with local landowners and user groups - Please click here for details
• Wikepedia Stub - Tarr_Steps
• Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9.
• Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 181.

View Larger Map
Following the recent flood damage to Tarr Steps, the longest clapper bridge in the country, early estimates show that repairs to the rights of way network around the bridge and across Exmoor National Park are likely to cost thousands of pounds. National Park Rangers are currently busy assessing the damage in more detail.

 

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Oriinal Article written Oct 2012 - Link updates Oct 2024 PMA

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Tap here to view  my Exmoor Trails On Flickr through the seasons 

 

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