Ecology
What ecological features currently exist at Wildwood Grove?
Evidence Source
The information presented on this page is derived principally from the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Baseline Survey undertaken by Richard Green Ecology Ltd on 24 November 2025 and published in March 2026.
Overview
Wildwood Grove comprises approximately 11.77 hectares (29.08 acres) of agricultural land arranged as three fields with associated hedgerows, tree lines, ditches, wet ground and watercourses. The site is located near Dulverton, Somerset, within the upper River Exe catchment.
The ecological baseline survey recorded a landscape dominated by modified grassland together with a network of native hedgerows, broadleaved trees, wet ground, ditches and stream corridors.
Figure 1. Ecological baseline habitat plan
Habitat baseline plan identifying grassland, hedgerows, tree lines, wet ground, ditches, streams and recorded ecological features.
Grassland
The site contains three principal areas of modified grassland:
Northern Field – approximately 2.6 hectares
Eastern Field – approximately 4.1 hectares
Southern Field – approximately 4.6 hectares
At the time of survey, all fields were classified as modified grassland and were assessed as being in good condition.
Hedgerows
The site contains a network of native and species-rich native hedgerows, including hedgerows associated with banks and drainage features. Recorded woody species include:
Hazel
Hawthorn
Blackthorn
Holly
Rose
Beech
Willow
Ash
Most hedgerows were assessed as being in moderate condition.
Trees
Wildwood Grove contains individual broadleaved trees and multiple tree lines associated with banks and drainage features.
Recorded tree species include:
Sessile Oak
Pedunculate Oak
Ash
Beech
Hazel
Holly
Hawthorn
Willow
Most tree lines were assessed as being in good condition.
Wet Ground and Scrub
The ecological survey recorded a wet area within the northern corner of the eastern field, including the presence of soft rush (Juncus effusus). Approximately 0.026 hectares of bramble scrub was also recorded within the site.
Water Features
The site contains both ditches and watercourses.
The survey recorded approximately:
144 metres of ditch
249 metres of main stream
63 metres of secondary stream
The secondary stream was recorded as feeding into the main stream. Water was present within the ditch network during the survey.
Protected and Priority Species
The survey confirmed the presence of an active badger sett beneath an uprooted tree root plate along the southern tree line.
Suitable habitat was also recorded for:
Bats
Hazel dormouse
Nesting birds
Kingfisher
Reptiles
Amphibians
Hedgehog
Otter
Water vole
The survey identified habitat capable of supporting these species but did not establish definitive absence.
Habitats of Principal Importance
The ecological survey identified native hedgerows within the site as Habitats of Principal Importance. Hedgerows and tree lines were assessed as being of district ecological value, while modified grassland and bramble scrub were assessed as being of local ecological value.
Ecological Designations
Wildwood Grove is not itself a designated ecological site. However, it lies within the South Exmoor Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Impact Risk Zone.
Nearby designated sites include:
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor and Quantock Oakwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Barle Valley SSSI
Briggins Moor SSSI