The Knapp

Imagine finding a secret piece of wilderness, a quiet sanctuary teeming with life, tucked away right in the center of town. It sounds like something from a storybook, but this place is very real. Tucked away on Station Road is The Knapp Nature Reserve, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This 8.5-acre sanctuary is more than just a patch of green space; it's a living story of revival, a mosaic of precious habitats, and a powerful testament to the spirit of community dedication.

The recent history of The Knapp is one of profound transformation. In 2019, the Sid Vale Association (SVA) purchased the 8.5-acre reserve from the East Devon District Council. This act wasn't just a simple land acquisition; it was the modern continuation of a remarkable legacy. Formed in 1846, the SVA holds the distinction of being England’s first Civic Society, and for nearly 180 years it has worked to protect the Sid Valley.

For years, The Knapp had become "somewhat neglected," but the SVA, true to its pioneering history, saw its immense potential. Adjoining their existing Peasland Knapp land, the purchase united the two properties into a single, "attractive hilly area in the centre of town." This land has deep roots in the community's past; the 1839 Tithe Map showed it as a "patchwork of arable fields," and within living memory, it served as cattle pasture. Today, its revival is powered by the passion of local volunteers. They have done "amazing work... renovating the paths and pond and planting many trees," breathing new life into the reserve and turning a forgotten corner of town back into a flourishing haven for both people and wildlife.

The Knapp is a rich tapestry of different environments, each providing a crucial refuge for its own unique community of plants and animals. At its heart lies a "freshly renovated dew pond," which has quickly become a vibrant ecosystem. Frogspawn has already been observed in its waters, and a closer look reveals a "good variety of life beneath the surface."

Alongside the pond, visitors can wander through a recreated native woodland, where dappled light filters through a young but thriving canopy. This habitat is the result of careful, long-term conservation planning. Trees like the rare Wild Service-tree are a perfect example of this foresight. Normally, they can be an indicator species of ancient woodland, but these were planted twenty years ago as a deliberate and thoughtful act to recreate a native woodland, establishing a sanctuary that feels both timeless and new.

The reserve's diverse habitats are home to an equally diverse collection of life, offering moments of discovery for any curious visitor.

Plants: The woodland hosts the magnificent Wild Service-tree, also known as the Chequers tree. Its fruit, called "checkers," used to be a popular food and is believed to be the namesake for the Prime Minister's official country residence. Nearby, you might also find the Swedish Whitebeam, a Scandinavian cousin whose berries are a beloved food source for local birds.

Animals: The renovated ponds have become a welcome home for amphibians. Frogs have taken up residence, and their successful breeding is confirmed by the discovery of frogspawn glistening in the spring shallows.

One of the most captivating residents is the "amazing Whirligig Beetle," which can be seen performing its erratic, glittering dance across the water's surface on the Lower Knapp pond. This steel-grey insect is a marvel of natural engineering, known for its incredible speed and a remarkable set of divided eyes that allow it to see both above and below the water simultaneously. Its short antennae are incredibly sensitive and can detect the slightest movement on the water, using a form of echolocation to hunt. If threatened, it has a peculiar defence mechanism: emitting a smell like "rotten apples" to deter predators.

The Knapp Nature Reserve is far more than just a beautiful piece of land. It is a living, breathing testament to what can be achieved when a community, guided by a deep-rooted history of conservation, comes together with a shared vision. Through the hard work of dedicated volunteers, a neglected patch of land has been transformed back into a thriving urban sanctuary.

It stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our local natural heritage and the incredible impact of grassroots efforts. The story of The Knapp’s revival leaves us with an inspiring question: What hidden natural treasures might be waiting to be discovered in your own community?