
New public green space in East Devon
The Clyst Valley Regional Park is waiting for you to explore its heritage and nature, and breathe its fresh country air.
The Clyst Valley is a vast green space to breathe, on the doorstep of a rapidly growing population east of Exeter. It follows the meandering River Clyst (meaning ’clear water‘) as it feeds into the Exe estuary.
https://www.clystvalleypark.org.uk/
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This area has a varied topography, rising to the north-west to around 248m around Waddles Down Cross. This landscape feels elevated above surrounding areas, offering views across Exeter city and the Exe estuary as well as to Crediton, Dartmoor and Haldon Ridge in the distance. Areas of steep slopes, particularly those that face northwards, are well wooded with plantation and ancient semi-natural woodland – Stoke Wood being particularly important for recreation. Within the narrow and tightly enclosed valleys the character is more intimate. Distinctive views, strong topography, notable woodland and proximity to Exeter contribute to a strong sense of place. Despite the proximity to Exeter this landscape has a strongly rural character with increasing tranquillity and sense of remoteness in the small intimate valleys as well as further west away from the urban fringe and A30 corridor.
This area comprises the farmed and wooded slopes to the north and west of the city of Exeter, forming an important backdrop to the conurbation. The incised and constrained valley of the River Exe passes to the east of the hills and contains the rail and road links into the city from the north – this landscape therefore strongly influences northern approach routes to the city. The boundary of this area to the north is abrupt where the River Exe joins the Culm and the valley floor opens out to form the Culm and Exe Lowlands. To the south the boundary is the urban edge while to the east and west there is a gradual transition in character to the Clyst Lowland Farmlands and the elevated rolling hills of the Yeo Uplands and Slopes respectively.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/teignbridge-and-east-devon-area/exeter-slopes-and-hills
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
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The estuary is the visual focus of this area; and although Devon has a number of estuaries few are as extensive as the Exe. This is a landscape of open skies characterised by the sound of seabirds, the masts of boats, and mud and dunes at Dawlish Warren. Views over the river are distinctive and the detail of the scene changes according to tide and season. The open expanse of intertidal mudflat when covered with water reflects the colour of the huge skies above. The whole scene is framed by rising landform on either side, which provides low level enclosure. The land rises gradually to the high ground of Woodbury Common to the east and Haldon to the west.
This landscape is complex and diverse, combining ridge and valley systems with the open estuary landscape and red sandstone cliffs. The patchwork of fields and hedgerows, designed landscapes, woodlands and estuarine and coastal features creates a landscape of high scenic quality which forms an important part of the setting to Exeter, Exmouth and Dawlish. The underlying red soils, frequent vernacular buildings, estuarine and coastal views and hillside backdrops lend a strong sense of place. The shoreline railway and canal add distinctiveness and frequent small boats and moorings emphasise the maritime character.
This area focuses on the Exe Estuary to the south of Exeter and extends inland to the east and west to include adjacent farmland. The northern boundary is defined by the built up area of Exeter, and the southern boundary by open sea. The eastern and western boundaries are transitional and defined by declining association with the estuary as the farmland becomes increasingly undulating and rises to meet Haldon Ridge to the west and Pebble Beds to the east.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/teignbridge-and-east-devon-area/exe-estuary-and-farmlands
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
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This small site, located halfway between Exeter and Exminster, is an excellent vantage point for watching wildfowl and waders. Cyclists, walkers and joggers regularly use the track which leads to it, sharing this quiet reserve with green and common sandpipers, mallards and mute swans.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/matford-marshes/
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You'll find Bowling Green and Goosemoor on the confluence of the River Exe and the River Clyst, close to the town of Topsham. It's an ideal spot to watch birds up close, including spring and autumn migrating birds, and winter flocks of waders, ducks and geese feeding and resting, from the comfort of the Lookout hide.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/bowling-green-and-goosemoor/
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A Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
Stroll through buttercup-filled meadows alongside the winding River Exe with wonderful views across the city to its cathedral.
About the reserve
Riverside Valley Park is one of six Exeter Valley Parks managed by Devon Wildlife Trust.
Its 40 hectares sit between Clapperbrook Lane and Bridge Road. This is an easy Valley Park to visit: it is close to the city centre and just a short walk from the historic Quayside. It offers river views, excellent walking and cycling paths and flood plain meadows giving way to the wilder estuary.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/riverside-valley-park
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Escape the hustle and bustle of Exeter city centre with a visit to Stoke Woods
Located to the north of Exeter, Stoke Woods is a great place to have a break from city life and get in touch with nature.
Stretch your legs on our wild trails and visit some of the oldest and largest trees in Exeter.
https://www.forestryengland.uk/stoke-woods
Stoke Woods Pennsylvania Road car park, Exeter EX4 5BN
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A Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
Wonderful views of the Exe Valley beyond the city stretch from this peaceful corner. Enjoy grassland walks at Belvidere, or visit Duryard for a good picnic site overlooking the valley.
About the reserve
Duryard and Belvidere Valley Park is one of six Exeter Valley Parks managed by Devon Wildlife Trust.
Two sites to explore over 11 hectares near the University of Exeter, with some very long views and peaceful meadow walks in a local nature reserve.
Did you know, Duryard was once a Royal Saxon deer park. (dur meaning deer and yard meaning hunting area)?
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/duryard-and-belvidere-valley-park
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Just five miles from Exeter city centre, Exminster and Powderham Marshes are great places to see birds all year-round. Enjoy a lovely walk here in this fascinating landscape, where flocks of geese, ducks and waders are numerous. Regular visitors include lapwings, redshanks, wigeons and warblers.
Find a range of tasty refreshments on sale in the car park from Hope Coffee Wednesday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm every week. From drinks to cakes, be sure to share what wildlife you see with Hope Coffee to add to their sightings board while you visit! You can also get refreshments from the Swan’s Nest Inn and the Turf Hotel (closed in some winter months).
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/exminster-and-powderham-marshes/
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Located on the outskirts of Exeter, Darts Farm is home to a large variety of wildlife. These include flocks of linnets, fieldfares and redwings during the winter, dragonflies, skylarks and kingfishers in summer. There's also a popular shop and tearoom here, part of a larger shopping complex.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/darts-farm/
https://www.dartsfarm.co.uk/lifestyle/rspb
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