Conservation Management
Biodiversity is at the heart of Embleton Quarry Nature Reserve. The site is managed to restore and protect a range of declining habitats, from flower rich grassland through to diverse scrub, native broadleaved woodland and wetland.
All conservation management on site is carried out by a dedicated team of volunteers and we also use traditional breeds grazing animals as ‘on site volunteers’ to help manage the scrub and grassland areas.
The general management carried out on site includes winter grazing, traditional hay meadow management, some scrub management (to help restore flower rich areas and increase the diversity of scrub), removal of non-native invasive species and planting of native broadleaved
woodland.
Maintaining good access to nature is high on our agenda. Volunteers work year round to ensure that the network of nature trails is kept open and free from ingrowing scrub.
Climate Change Mitigation
We are helping to mitigate climate change locally by enlarging areas that will draw down harmful CO2 .
Management includes planting new woodland, and managing grassland and meadows using grazing animals and traditional tools when possible, rather than relying on petrol driven machinery. Scything and baling our own hay also provides additional winter food resources for
two Exmoor ponies and two goats.
