Bulverton Hill
Bulverton Hill is located on the western side of the Sid Valley, near Muttersmoor. It is situated on high ground offering amazing views down the Sid Valley to the sea.
Bulverton Hill Plantation is owned by Clinton Devon Estates and managed by Tilhill Forestry. Clinton Devon Estates manages extensive woodland across East and North Devon, focusing on sustainable, multi-purpose forestry including timber production, biodiversity, recreation, and landscape benefits. They have FSC certification and are involved in landscape recovery projects like "Heaths to Sea".
The wood is described as an extensive area of mixed woodland. A significant part is a commercial conifer plantation, primarily composed of Douglas Fir. There are also woods with bluebells on Bulverton Hill.
The area was once heathland before becoming dominated by mixed woodland and plantations. The East Devon Forest Plan emphasizes the importance of restoring lowland heathland habitats, especially where they were historically present.
The conifer plantation itself is considered to be generally detrimental to naturally occurring species and lacking interest for naturalists because the dense conifers suppress native flora and fauna. However, the presence of bluebells indicates areas supporting these woodland flowers. The adjacent Greystone and Lydes Hill area, which has a wide bridleway acting as a gap through conifers towards Bulverton, allows nature to flourish in that corridor.
The management of the wood includes commercial forestry practices, such as recent felling in a portion of the plantation. Following felling, decisions about replanting with commercial species (like Douglas Fir or Sitka Spruce) or restoring native habitats through natural regeneration or planting native broadleaf species depend on factors like timber production goals, ecological restoration priorities, and site conditions. There is potential for heathland restoration if the felled area was originally heathland. Contacting Clinton Devon Estates or Tilhill Forestry is suggested for specific management plans.
Climbing to the top of Bulverton Hill is rewarded with wonderful views down the valley, over the town, and out to sea. There are public paths or bridleways in the general area, such as the one running from near Muttersmoor towards Bulverton. While the core conifer plantation may lack natural interest, the views from the high ground are a significant feature.