Blackadon

UK Wildlife Trusts

Blackadon is a picturesque nature reserve located along the western edge of the River Webburn, featuring two distinct areas: Town Wood and Blackadon Down. This reserve showcases Dartmoor's iconic habitats, including steep wooded river valleys and grazed bracken moor. Visitors can enjoy climbing a classic Dartmoor tor while observing ongoing conservation efforts related to ash dieback, which may lead to temporary path diversions and closures for safety. Wildlife enthusiasts can look for a variety of species throughout the year, with notable sightings including the High Brown Fritillary and Gatekeeper butterflies peaking in June and July, respectively. May is a good time to spot the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and 7-spot Ladybird, while October brings sightings of the Dock Bug and Eristalis tenax. The best time for observing these species is around 01:00, making early morning visits particularly rewarding.

Managed by

UK Wildlife Trusts