Bircham Valley is a Local Nature Reserve located in the north of Plymouth immediately south of Derriford Hospital. This site is a haven from the hubbub of the city where you can relax, walk, play and explore nature.
Covering 23 hectares (that's about 23 full-sized football pitches), we share the ownership and management of the reserve with the NHS.
Bircham Valley has some beautiful woodland and meadows to stroll through, alongside a stream which runs through to Forder Valley.
When visiting the hospital, why not take some time out and walk along one of the three routes in the reserve?
https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/parksnatureandgreenspace/localnaturereserves/birchamvalleylnr
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Local Nature Reserves (LNR's) are living green spaces which are important for people and support vibrant wildlife. They are important to the health and prosperity of our city, providing ecosystem services including absorbing carbon, cleaning the air, providing opportunities for pollinating insects and natural flood management. They are free for the public to visit, learn about nature and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors in nature.
There are now 13 Local Nature Reserves in Plymouth (12 of these are owned and managed by Plymouth City Council in partnership with local communities). Volunteer groups are crucial in managing these sites, regular work parties and volunteer groups carry out management activities across the sites.
All unitary, district and county councils can acquire, declare and manage Local Nature Reserves.
In 2018 3 new reserves were designated bringing the total area of LNR within the city to 297 hectares – which is well above the national standard of 1 hectare for every 1000 people.
https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/parksnatureandgreenspaces/localnaturereserves
