Andrew's Wood

Andrews Wood lies near Modbury in Devon, a quiet pocket of countryside managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust. The reserve covers 23.5 hectares and holds the rare status of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, first notified in 1952. Its damp heathland and sheltered valleys create the perfect conditions for unusual plants. Among these is Heath Lobelia, a striking blue flower found in Britain only in a handful of places. Botanists counted 9,828 Heath Lobelia plants here in 2009, the largest colony in the country. The site’s damp soils and varied vegetation attract a range of wildlife beyond the lobelia. Dragonflies skim the shallow pools while warblers sing from the low scrub. Adders and common lizards bask on the warm banks in summer months. The reserve’s mosaic of wet and dry ground supports mosses, sedges and heather in close quarters. Rare beetles and spiders also find shelter among the tussocks and leaf litter. Visitors walk along firm, waymarked paths that wind through the heart of the reserve. Information boards stand at key points to explain the special plants and animals. A small car park sits beside the entrance, making the site easy to reach without disturbing the habitat. The air carries the scent of damp earth and wild herbs, especially after rain. From the highest point a view opens over rolling Devon countryside, framed by oak and birch.