Snowdrop Valley on Exmoor

Snowdrop Valley on Exmoor

Exmoors varied landscape is home to an assortment of trees, rare plants and stunning wild flowers. The floral life is stunning and differs from place to place due to the differing landscape. Some flowers prefer damp and shady woodlands to thrive whilst others such as the sea holly can tolerate the harsh winds and influx of salt using thicker, rubbery leaves to defend themselves. Many different floral habitats exist in the park, there are ancient woodlands, marsh land, open moor and coast to name a few. Each differs in soil structure and nutrient availability which are the most important factors for a plant to consider before colonizing an area.

Snowdrop Valley near Wheddon cross is appropriately named due to the onset of a fantastic valley of Snowdrop flowers in the winter months of January and February. The local people celebrate the valleys flowers and it is a listed environmentally sensitive site. This may be due to the fact that Snowdrops are a protected species with the bulbs being illegal to collect. One of the moors most spectacular sights is the summer Heather blooms, the open moor land bursts into colour with the arrival of the purple Heather. Heather is an important ecological species as its blooms attract and protect numerous small animals, rare birds and plants. The National trust manages the moor land and annually burn the rapidly growing Heather to keep the habitat in balance.

The area of the Barle valley near the ancient village of Exford is home to the climbing hedgerow plant Honeysuckle. The tempting smells are released at night and are known to attract insects from quarter of a mile away. The Honeysuckle is a key plant for the survival of Butterflies and Moths many of which are rare and protected due to the loss of habitat through farming, construction and other human intervention. The woodlands of Exmoor are home to over 1700 ancient trees. An ancient wood has many indicators that display its health. Good signs of health are the presence of mushrooms, lichen, moss and wild flowers. The woodland floor in spring plays host to the beautiful Bluebell, sadly the Bluebells existence is at threat so the sight of woodland filled with them is sure to please the eye.

Foxgloves are an amazing addition to the summer hedgerows, the Barle valley near Exford is the ideal setting for these fantastic and alluring flowers. When you look at a Foxglove closely you realise the complexity in its design. The cupped flower head is welcoming to all kinds of pollinating insects who can land on the opening and walk into the flower itself. The interaction with insects and plants on the moors is fascinating, plants flower at separate times of year which gives the insects more opportunities to survive and collect nectar when nothing else is around. This relationship is mutual as the insects spread the plants pollen to enable a further distribution of genetics.


Each floral habitat on Exmoor provides a completely different home as the next. Plants have evolved certain traits to defend themselves against coastal winds as well as the shaded woodlands. Each season offers colour in the form of flowers from the Bluebells and Primroses of spring, the Foxgloves, Honeysuckle and Heather of summer, the fruits of fungi can be seen in autumn in the form of mushrooms and finally the graceful Snowdrops of winter.

Why not stop of for an Exmoor Bar Lunch at The Exmoor White Horse Inn.It offers a varied menu with a wide selection of Real Ales and Malt Whiskeys