Barle Valley, Protected natural area in Exmoor National Park, England
Barle Valley is a protected natural area in Exmoor National Park covering over 1,500 acres of sandstone slopes with ancient oak woodlands at elevations between 150 and 300 meters. A network of marked walking paths winds through the valley connecting several villages.
The Knaplock and North Barton section was first protected in 1954, and the entire valley gained its special scientific status in 1988. This recognition reflects the ecological importance that experts had recognized for many years.
The valley is farmed using traditional methods where deer graze in managed meadows alongside old woodlands. This long-standing approach shapes how the land looks and feels today.
Marked walking paths, including sections of the Two Moors Way, run through the valley offering routes of varying difficulty and length. Visitors should come prepared for changing weather, as the open ridges are exposed to the elements.
The valley hosts an extraordinary variety of lichens and rare woodland plants that inhabit less-visited corners. This diversity of species makes the area valuable for naturalists, though it often goes unnoticed by regular visitors.
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