Welcome to Dunscombe Wood Nature Reserve!
This 9 acre nature reserve sits up on the hillside, adjacent to Devonshire Marsh, and is one of the best un-spoilt areas of woodland in Bermuda's central parishes. Together with the Devonshire Marsh, this is Bermuda's largest, relatively unfragmented and diverse areas of natural habitat.
Warning: There has been poison ivy found near the beginning of this trail. We will do our best to keep it clear but just be mindful and perhaps wear long pants and good shoes.
Step back in time to the early 1600's and this upland forest area may have been dominated by native and endemic tree species, such as Bermuda Cedar (Juniperus bermudiana), Bermuda Palmetto (Sabal bermudana), Bermuda Olivewood (Elaeodendron laneanum) and Yellowood (Zanthoxylum flavum).
Instead, today we see predominantly introduced or invasive species such as Brazil Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum), Allspice (Pimenta dioica) and Chinese Fan Palm (Livistonia chinensis).
Areas like this are still very important habitat for birds, insects, lizards and other wildlife. However, being comprised mainly of introduced species it helps demonstrate one of the main threats facing Bermuda's biodiversity.
Invasive species are so successful in adapting to a new environment, they directly compete for habitat with native and endemic species. This can lead to the invasive species crowding out the natives species and even pushing endemic species to extinction.
The Department of Conservation Services is developing Nature Reserve management plans for areas like Dunscombe Wood, with the long-term goal of improving biodiversity by controlling the spread of invasive species and achieving a better balance with our native species.
Not to be overlooked is the beautiful and vitally important Devonshire Marsh, directly across the road from this geocache. Jointly owned and managed by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society, Devonshire Marsh is a vitally important wetland habitat on top of Bermuda's largest aquifer.
Due to its size, Devonshire Marsh includes a variety of habitats and is able to support a large variety of species, including some species that have only ever been found here. Over 95 species of birds have been recorded in or over this area.
Public transport:
Bus # 3
*From the closest bus stop you will have to walk down Parson's Lane and then around onto Vesey Street for approx. 0.5miles. You cannot go through the marsh from Middle Road, you have to go around it.
Disclaimer
- This geocache has approval to be placed at this location on property managed by the Department of Conservation Services.
- The following items may not be placed in the geocache: food, illegal substances, medications, personal hygiene products, pornographic materials, hazardous materials, or weapons of any type.
- By searching for the cache, visitors agree that they are responsible for their own actions, and acknowledge that neither the Bermuda Government nor the cache owner is responsible for any loss or injury that may occur in relation to such search.
- Report any incident, problem, or violation to the Department of Conservation Services.
