A peaceful retreat set within the beautiful Devon countryside
There's something for everyone at Parke, found on the outskirts of the small market town of Bovey Tracey, gateway to mystical Dartmoor. You can walk from the town (about one mile) or stop off as you drive to the open moor, where the next stop is the rugged crag of Haytor.
This compact estate was once the home of a wealthy local family and probably enabled them to be self-sufficient for all their day-to-day needs with
- a vegetable garden, fruit garden and orchard
- cold house, fish pond, grazing meadows for livestock and beehives for honey
- and gardens to wander in for spiritual refreshment.
So, take a short stroll around the garden, or a longer more strenuous walk through the woodlands and along the river to the medieval weir. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for a myriad of wildlife and a host of wild flowers.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/parke
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Stover Country Park contains over 114 acres of woodland, heathland, grassland, lake and marsh and a substantial variety of wildlife. It is a site of special scientific interest meaning it is protected by law to conserve its wildlife and geology.
The Park features a Nature Interpretation Centre which is situated near the entrance of the park and consists of a visitor centre, classroom, rangers’ office and public toilets.
Additional recreation resources include interpretation boards, aerial walkway, a bird hide, a car park and picnic areas. There is also a wealth of historical interest.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/stovercountrypark/
Stover Country Park Newton Abbot TQ12 6QG
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A Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
A wonderful heathland haven with some very special wildlife.
About the reserve
Chudleigh Knighton Heath is a heathland mosaic of gorse, heather and grassland. This was once the landscape which stretched for miles across what is known locally as the Bovey Basin. Today, the nature reserve is a reminder of what has been lost and also acts as a vital heathland home to some special wildlife.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/chudleigh-knighton-heath
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A Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
A fascinating 'new' landscape created from the diggings of nearby clay quarries. Birds, butterflies and wildflowers jostle for room amongst its meadowland and steep-sided slopes.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/teigngrace-meadow
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A Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is one of Devon's top places for dragonfly and damselfly watching. Bring binoculars for an up close view of these wonderful insects.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/little-bradley-ponds
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Devon Gardens Trust An intensely Gothic mansion remodelled by William White in 1860-4; a transformation of a house of c.1800 which itself incorporated remains of the most important medieval country residence of the bishops of Exeter (acquired in1265 and used by them until 1546). The Pleasure Garden was, according to Mrs Price in 1805, in its ‘infant state’ but it did have an avenue of elms which formed an arch. White (1850) noted that the house is a commodious building , pleasantly situated on a commanding eminence, in a well wooded park, on the east bank of the small river Clyst. Stockdale described it as ’an elegant spacious Gothic structure chiefly composed of the materials of the ancient palace…… the approach is formed by a beautiful avenue of trees, which, with the surrounding plantations have been much improved. A new Gothic lodge has also been erected.’ When the property was sold in 1833 it had its own pheasantry and aviary, together with a commodious covered summer-house, melon and cucumber beds, fruit trees and an orchard, as well as a rookery of noble beeches, elms and oaks, mingled with limes and chestnuts.
https://devongardenstrust.org.uk/gardens/bishops-court
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The Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve meanders for 11 and a quarter miles through beautiful countryside and quiet villages between the market town of Tiverton and the hamlet of Lowdwells (near the Somerset border).
The park features: Horse drawn barge trips, Cafés, Canal themed play park, Visitor centre, Boat hire, Marina moorings (non residential), Gift shop, Public toilets, Picnic sites, Car parks
The canal’s story covers over 200 years of fascinating heritage, with many of its original features and buildings still surviving. Many people know the park locally as the ‘Tiverton Canal’. However, the Canal is probably best known for the horse drawn barge, Tivertonian, run by the Tiverton Canal Co. that has been taking visitors for a leisurely cruise for more than 40 years.
Owned by Devon County Council and managed as both a Country Park and a Local Nature Reserve, the park is a haven for wildlife as it offers a range of habitats including woodland, hedgerows, open water and ponds.
A well surfaced towpath adjacent to the Canal, provides ample opportunities for walking, running and cycling. Rangers have installed lots of benches throughout the park, to provide ideal places for visitors to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Families visiting the park can learn about the Canal’s history in our interactive Visitor Centre or enjoy playing on the Canal themed Play Park at the Canal Basin. Alternatively, if you’re venturing further along the Canal, then why not enjoy a picnic at one of our many picnic sites or have fun at the Sampford Peverell Trim Trail.
Activities such as boating, canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding are all popular on the canal. The park also offers a quiet and relaxing venue for angling, and is especially noted for its summer tench fishing. Please note: You will need to purchase a permit in advanced to do these activities within the Country Park.
The Grand Western Canal forms part of the West Country Way Cycle Route (NCN3) which runs from Bristol to Padstow in Cornwall.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/grandwesterncanal/
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The UK’s first National Marine Park
The unique waters of Plymouth Sound have been instrumental in shaping our city and nation’s heritage, culture, wealth and security. The National Marine Park will encourage greater prosperity and engagement with our marine environment.
Building on our current work and existing structures, it will support a new approach to how we value and work in harmony with the natural environment to deliver the greatest benefit for all. Our vision is for a National Marine Park that supports thriving businesses, connected communities and inspired visitors.
The waters of Plymouth Sound are already home to a complex and diverse mix of uses – from naval and commercial ports to diving and fishing – which work effectively alongside some of the most highly protected areas designated for wildlife in the UK. Through our common endeavours these uses and strong partnerships will be respected and importantly developed further.
The National Marine Park has been developed collaboratively, declared locally, and delivered through a spirit of opportunity. We invite the nation to recognise the international significance of Plymouth Sound as we embark on our journey as a proving ground for this innovative new approach.
https://plymouthsoundnationalmarinepark.com/
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Bridford Wood is a National Trust woodland in the Teign Valley. Although it is located within the parish of Bridford, it is nearer to Dunsford. The 359 Bus service from Exeter to Moretonhampstead stops at Steps Bridge.
Size: 101.66 ha (251.21 acres) Grid reference: SX806882
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Just a short time ago Rowdon Valley Wood was a two acre piece of overgrown woodland on the edge of Bridford village and hardly anyone knew of its existence.
Today it provides a magical circular walk through the wet woodland alive with birds and featuring boardwalks and bridges, ponds and a small waterfall, boggy areas full of interesting plants and a viewing platform which is accessible by wheelchair
http://www.bridfordtrust.co.uk/rowdon-valley-wood/
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