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93 The Culm
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The Culm Measures of North Devon and north-east Cornwall are named after the Carboniferous slates, shales and sandstones which underlie the area. These rocks give rise to heavy acidic soils, making farming difficult. Reflecting this and the oceanic climate, the predominant land use is grass production for livestock. Most of this is now intensive, but nevertheless the Natural Area still contains one the greatest concentrations of species-rich grasslands remaining in the UK of Rhos pastures, known locally as Culm Grassland. These grasslands are especially important for uncommon plant communities and for invertebrates including the marsh fritillary.
The fields within the Natural Area are separated by a rich network of species-rich hedges and copses, including fine willows and alder carrs which support much biodiversity including special species such as the dormouse, brown hairstreak and barn owl. Three major rivers cross the Culm Measures, the Taw, Torridge and Tamar, and together these support the greatest density of otters in England. The northern edge of the Natural Area is characterised by sea cliffs and slopes descending to the Atlantic. These support some outstanding oak woods rich in lichens, bryophytes and ferns, including some species not recorded elsewhere in the UK.
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Natural Area profile available - Size 1.37 Mb
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