The Higher Kiln Quarry at Buckfastleigh, Devon contains several caves important as roosting sites for greater and lesser horseshoe bats, as well as harbouring populations of the endemic stygobitic shrimp Niphargus glenniei, which worldwide is only known from groundwater habitats (including caves and mines) across Devon and Cornwall.
Although a nature reserve, little management had been carried out in the quarry and the neglect had led to the basin becoming heavily overgrown, with several overhanging trees on the lip of the quarry presenting a considerable risk. Devon Wildlife Trust had decided to take a more pro active role in the management of the reserve, including the clearance of much of the vegetation, the removal of the dangerous trees on the quarry lip, and the construction of board walks and information panels for visitors. Prior to this an invertebrate survey of the caves within the quarry was undertaken to provide baseline data and inform future management decisions.
Copyright © 2024 Lee Knight, Freshwater Ecologist - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy