Halwill Junction. Photo, David Chamberlain
Improving access for all on our nature reserves
A gateway to the natural world
Our nature reserves aren’t just havens for some of Devon’s most spectacular wildlife, they also act as a gateway to the natural world for thousands of people.
Making accessibility better for you
However, access to each one of our 59 nature reserves isn’t necessarily straightforward. Some are located miles from public transport, while the varied terrain of others can make them challenging for visitors, especially those with a specific mobility or sensory abilities.
As part of our commitment to accessibility, we have focused on creating a comprehensive guide to some of our key nature reserves, also known as our 'Explorer Sites.' This will soon be released on our website so stay tuned!
In developing this resource, we have worked closely with access, inclusion, and disability groups throughout Devon, along with feedback from individuals who have faced challenges when accessing the countryside. Their valuable input has helped shape this guide, ensuring it meets the needs of a wide range of visitors.
To further assist in planning your visit, we have included a path accessibility rating system, which ranges from Category 1 (fairly easy) to Category 4 (difficult), along with a detailed description for each category. This will help you make informed decisions based on your specific needs, ensuring a more enjoyable and accessible experience at our nature reserves.
We realise that where we’re at isn’t perfect, but things are improving all the time. Our aim is to keep on widening provision for all to Devon’s wildlife and wild places.
Plan your visit here
Use this list of nature reserves where we’ve worked to improve access. Follow the nature reserve links to plan your visit...
Boardwalk at Bystock. Photo, Simon Williams
Bystock Pools nature reserve (near Exmouth)
Here an easy access pathway and boardwalks lead visitors around a beautiful lake. A chance to see dragonflies and water birds.
Path through Dunsdon. Photo, Dave Chamberlain.
Dunsdon National Nature Reserve (near Holsworthy)
A boardwalk and viewing platform gives the South West’s only easy access to Culm grassland with its summertime displays of butterflies and wildflowers.
Halwill Junction. Photo, Dave Chamberlain
Halwill Junction (near Okehampton)
An all-purpose easy access path leads through the nature reserve and through its patchwork of woodland and grassland.
Meeth Quarry. Photo, R Liley
Meeth Quarry (near Hatherleigh)
A series of colour-coded trails allow good access through this massive former clay quarry. Excellent for butterfly and birdwatching. The Tarka Trail links this reserve to a viewing platform which looks out across our nearby Ashmoor nature reserve.
Teigngrace Meadow. Photo, Simon Williams
Teigngrace Meadow (near Bovey Tracey)
Good access to the riverside stretches of this nature reserve using the easy access path of the Wray Valley Trail. Use this trail to extend your visit to our Bovey Heathfield nature reserve nearby.
Warleigh Point. Photo, Simon Williams
Warleigh Point (near Plymouth)
An easy access path leads into this woodland nature reserve to reveal good views of the Tamar Estuary.
And don't forget our visit our marine centre...
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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.