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On the edge of the High Moor at over 300m and close to Buckfastleigh, lies the lovely Dean Burn site. Nestled between Lambs Down and Dean Moor, it includes a tributary of the River Dart and is linked by this to the open high moor and woodland further downstream.
We are very grateful to the landowner Cyril Pearse for the opportunity to create a high quality conservation scheme here that links to Ancient woodland in Dean Wood further down the valley and helps sustain important woodland wildlife species in the valley.
 The past hundred years has seen some natural regeneration of birch, willow and alder along the banks of the Dean Burn and the site also holds some larger and more mature Hazel, Hawthorn, Ash and Oak trees.
Some of these trees have an uncommon lichen called Beard Lichen (Usnea filipendula) growing in large hanging clumps on several trees (see pic).
A recent survey by Leeds University students found that nearly 40 trees were hosting this lichen. It also has a public access bridleway through the first part of the site known as the Abbots Way which goes on to link Buckfast Abbey with monasteries in Tavistock and Plymstock.
Much of the site also has a healthy showing of Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) which are often found in Ancient woodland and do not easily spread. They have managed to maintain a presence in the area under bracken giving them protection from grazing and the newly planted trees will help ensure that they will continue to be there for many years to come. Planting took place over the 06/07 season with the help of hundreds of volunteers, including 6 schools, several disadvantaged and disabled groups as well as local community groups lending a hand to plant more than 2,800 trees. Overall, the site includes 2.9ha of tree planting and 1.16ha protected for natural woodland regeneration.
Dean Burn is also one woodland site that is managed with the help of the Harbourne Woodland Association, a dependant branch of Moor Trees in the upper Harbourne and Dean Rivers area.
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