Home / Environment / Devon Woodland Gains Rare Protected Status
Devon Woodland Gains Rare Protected Status
27 Apr
Summary
- Rare wet woodland and lowland deciduous habitats identified.
- Site designated a County Wildlife Site by Devon Biodiversity Records.
- Planners must consider environmental value for future developments.
A significant tract of rare wet woodland in Devon's Wray Valley has recently achieved protected status. This designation as a County Wildlife Site (CWS) by the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre recognizes its ecological importance, highlighting the presence of unique "wet woodland" and "lowland deciduous habitats."
This recognition comes after survey work supported by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. The designation means that local planning authorities are now obligated to consider the site's considerable environmental value when evaluating any future development proposals, ensuring its ecological integrity is maintained.
Co-owned by Michelle Grist and Kevin Chamberlain, the Wray Valley campsite area is considered an "oasis" for biodiversity. Grist emphasized its global significance as an Atlantic temperate rainforest, a habitat type extremely rare in the UK. The site also functions as a vital corridor, facilitating wildlife movement between ancient woodlands within the adjacent National Park.
