Bovey Heathfield
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Dogs
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Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
All year roundAbout the reserve
This is one of the best remaining examples of the heathland landscape which once dominated this part of Devon.
Take any one of a number of paths to explore the reserve's heather and gorse covered landscape. As you go look out for basking reptiles - common lizards, adders and grass snakes all live here.
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.
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A place with magic
Early summer brings a long-distance migrant. On still, warm evenings the magical bird the nightjar can be heard and seen at Bovey Heathfield. Its curious calls are one of the wonders of nature, an experience not to be missed.
Nor should you miss out on the the reserve's late summer show of colour. Pinks and purples of three types of heather contrast with the butter yellow of surrounding gorse bushes.
Relax and take your time
This was once a landscape which was scarred and rutted by illegal off-road cars and motorbikes. Now it's a tranquil place to go. Relax against a backdrop of Dartmoor in the distance.
The Wray Valley Trail passes by the reserve making it easily accessible on foot or bike. Our Teigngrace Meadow nature reserve is only a 20 minute walk or 10 minute cycle ride away.
If you like heathland you can also combine a visit to this nature reserve with one to nearby Chudleigh Knighton Heath - just 10 minutes away by road. These two reserves plus nearby Little Bradley Ponds make up our 4.5 mile Bovey Basin Wild Walk.
Working hard for heathlands
Thanks to National Highways through Network for Nature programme, DWT has been able to restore 16.5 hectares of heathland at Bovey Heathfield nature reserve - that's the equivalent of 627 tennis courts!
The works will improve habitat for very rare narrow-headed ant, among other species including the Dartford warbler and nightjar.
Improvements include:
- Removal of old fence and 3.2km of new fence installed to create two conservation grazing areas
- 28 volunteers gave more than 400 hours to reduce scrub and bracken, and survey for butterflies and beetles
In addition to this programme, volunteers have also improved access to the site with step repairs.
Become a member and support our work
The vital work we do for nature depends on the support of people who care about the future of Devon’s wildlife and wild places.