Halsdon

(Photo provided by Devon Wildlife Trust)

Halsdon consists of a mixture of ancient woodland, floodplain meadows and a magnificent length of the River Torridge immortalised by the tale of Tarka the otter. The woodland is predominantly of oak but other species are present including the uncommon Devon whitebeam and wild service tree. The woodland has a rich ground flora including primroses, wild garlic and broad-leaved helleborine. Marshy fields alongside the river support such plants as devil"s bit scabious and marsh cinquefoil. Kingfishers and dippers can be seen, and all three species of woodpecker breed in the reserve. Halsdon is a favoured haunt for otters and the river is famous for its run of salmon.

There are 4 different waymarked trails that lead you through this woodlands site, the 900m easy access path ends at a viewing area over the River Torridge (access to the valley bottom fields and river is by permit only in the summer months and in the winter it is requested that no more than two people walk together (no dogs in the riverside areas).

Where: SS554 131 SS560 117
When: Excellent all year . Please note though that, in order to minimise disturbance of wildlife, access to most of the fields in the valley bottom is by permit only during the summer months. During the winter permits are not required but we do ask that you walk alone, and do not allow dogs onto this area. Visitors without permits need not be put off by this restriction as it applies only to a relatively small part of the reserve. Permits are available from DWT on receipt of a written request.
Facilities: Car Park, Disabled Access, Dogs Allowed, Information Boards, Visitor Centre, Watersports.

Opening Times

Open All Year

Opening 2008: 01/01/2008