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The Heathland Natural Resource

The observatory site is one of the last remnants of lowland heath East Devon. Lowland heath is now a protected habitat. 

When the observatory was purchased by the District Council in 1988, large stands of rhododendron had invaded the site. As soon as the District Council purchased the site, members of the Society cleared vegetation away from the domes to form a fire break between the rather inflammable heathland and the listed buildings. The small number of volunteers then available held regular Sunday morning sessions to make the area between the domes safe for public access.

In 1994, the District Council and the observatory’s trustees employed an environmental biologist to survey the heathland. Her report became the blueprint for conservation work to restore the heath. Continuing advice is available to the Society from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. A grant to purchase tools was made by Shell’s Better Britain Campaign. The survey reported several rare species including orchids, rare grasses, blue butterflies and Dartford Warblers! The latter were refugees from a fire on Woodbury Common.

In 1997, a grant of £2000 was given by Rural Action which allowed heavy machinery to be hired to root out the large stands of rhododendron. A path was driven around the site perimeter giving access to volunteers working on the site and, in emergency, for fire fighters. It also provides a heathland public walk.

The Society undertook to re-seed the areas where the rhododendrons had been removed. Mostly, these cleared areas lie between the telescope domes, which need to be kept free of obstruction in the interest of public safety, especially at night. Rhododendron is difficult to kill. Any residual or regenerating rhododendrons will be kept under control or removed. 15% of the gorse is coppiced each year. Brambles and bracken are controlled and away from public paths.

The Society undertook its responsibilities to nature with resolution. Mrs. Jill Lang, an agricultural biologist, was appointed a director and Conservation Officer. Members’ working parties are regularly held to maintain the paths and heathland. Mrs Lang is aided by members, the University of Exeter Conservation Volunteers and other voluntary groups.

Plans were drawn up for the construction of a nature and solar trail along the walks. At each station there would be a scale model of a planet and notes explaining both the astronomical exhibit and the surrounding flora and likely fauna. Embossed notices of A4 size were planned from which children could extract information by "brass rubbings". Unfortunately the extremely high cost of embossed notices has caused this project to be delayed. Care of the natural resource and the development of outdoor exhibits are not included in these proposals. Such external developments will be made when funds permit.

Access to the grounds and picnic site is free. The picking of flowers is forbidden. Dogs are tolerated provided they are under control, do not disturb other visitors, damage the grounds or disturb its fauna.

Smoking and the lighting of fires are prohibited.