Halsdon
Location
Know before you go
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
All year roundAbout the reserve
This is many people’s favourite Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve and it’s easy to see why!
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.
Habitat
Contact us
Location map
How to get to Halsdon
Take our video tour here
Watch this short film guide to Halsdon in the company of wildlife expert and TV presenter Mike Dilger.
Wander through trees to the river
Trails weave down through woodland leading you to the banks and water meadows of the River Torridge. Along the way the sounds of birdsong give way to the rush of the river.
In summer the Torridge is the place to see sand martins and kingfishers. In winter look for ducks including goosanders as they dive beneath the water’s surface to catch fish. All year round you have a chance of seeing otters – a riverside wildlife hide is the place to go and try your luck.
In autumn and winter search for fungi on the woodland floor and the branches of trees. Above your head listen for the calls of long-tailed tits and tawny owls, while great spotted woodpeckers hammer out their territorial signals.
Explore on foot
Halsdon has lots of paths for you to discover. You can use Halsdon as a base from which to explore this fascinating part of Devon. Use our Halsdon Wild Walk as your guide.
Halsdon nature reserve leaflet
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.