| Rackenford and Knowstone Moors | |
| Map: | Devon |
| Map Width: | 210 |
| Location: | near Tiverton, Devon |
| Coordinates: | 50.9778°N -3.6381°W |
| Grid Ref Uk: | SS 851 211 |
| Operator: | Devon Wildlife Trust |
| Designation: | Site of Special Scientific Interest Special Area of Conservation |
Rackenford and Knowstone Moors is a nature reserve of the Devon Wildlife Trust, situated about 8miles north-west of Tiverton, in Devon, England. The habitat is culm grassland.
The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest[1] and a Special Area of Conservation. Its area is .[2]
Culm grassland is found in poorly drained lowland areas of acidic soil where there is high rainfall. The vegetation includes abundant purple moor grass and sharp-flowered rush.[2] [3]
Over the last century, over 90% of culm grassland has been lost. The remaining parts are mostly in fragmented areas in north Devon; the most extensive fragment is this reserve. The Trust endeavours to protect, re-establish and link together isolated sites of culm grassland. In the reserve there is light grazing by cattle and deer; the low-intensity land management, little changed from prehistoric times, allows a wide diversity of plant species.[2]
In the wetter areas, besides purple moor grass and sharp-flowered rush, species include ragged-robin, meadowsweet and wild angelica; in waterlogged areas there is sphagnum moss and sundew. In dry areas there is saw-wort, thistles and heathers. The plants support many species of butterflies, such as small pearl-bordered fritillary, marbled white and dingy skipper; birds including curlew, snipe and reed bunting may be found.[2]
On Knowstone Inner Moor there is saucer barrow, of the early Bronze Age: it is a mound, diameter and height up to, surrounded by a ditch and outer bank.