About the reserve

Devon doesn't get much wilder than at Dart Valley nature reserve.

Here the River Dart tumbles through a series of white water twists and turns, between steep-sided, oak covered valley sides. After heavy rain the power of the water can be fearsome.

Devon Wildlife Trust is privileged to manage temperate rainforests in the Dart Valley. These sessile oak woodlands are found within a diverse range of open habitats and wood pastures which support critically endangered species – it is this diversity within the landscape that makes them so special and unique. The Dart Valley is a stunning example of temperate rainforest that we’ll strive to ensure has a bright future, extending in area and connecting with other special sites nearby.

Ash dieback

The disease ash dieback is now widespread in the UK and is present at many of our nature reserves, so we carry out tree felling across our sites in winter months. For your own safety please observe temporary path diversions and closures.

Where possible we will leave affected ash trees in place to decay naturally as an important habitat for wildlife. We plan to only fell diseased ash trees which pose a threat to people or infrastructure. Before trees are felled, we will check whether any rare or protected wildlife is present. If it is, we will postpone or avoid felling these trees. No felling will take place during the bird nesting season.

DWT’s Saving Devon’s Treescapes project are working with communities, landowners and businesses to help make Devon's precious treescapes more resilient in the face of ash dieback. Find out how you can get involved here.

NOTICE: If you are visiting our reserves, please note that there have been instances of H5N1 Avian bird flu found in birds in Devon. There is very low risk to public health, but we do ask that if you come across any unusual or unexplained bird deaths on or near our reserves, please do not touch them and avoid allowing your dog to come into contact with dead birds. Please report them to Defra here or call 03459 335577 and also report your findings to DWT by email at contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org.