Watersmeet and Foreland Point

(Photo: National Trust) Watersmeet is one of the largest remaining ancient woodlands in the south-west. Oak dominates the canopy but other species are present including a number of rare whitebeams. There is a rich ground flora including bilberry, sweet woodruff and dog’s mercury, and there are diverse communities of lichens and mosses.

The East Lyn River cascades through the woodland, meeting Farley Water and giving the site its name. Watersmeet also supports some important areas of heathland. The site has a very diverse breeding bird community, including ravens, redstarts, pied flycatchers and all three woodpeckers.

The nearby Foreland Point, also managed by the National Trust, provides an excellent example of coastal heathland making this a very rich wildlife area. Watersmeet House, built c.1832 in a deep and spectacular gorge at the confluence of the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water, has a National Trust shop with refreshments and information.

Where: SS 744486
When: March to October only
Facilities: Admission Charge, Information Boards, Child Changing Facilities, Resfrshments, Toilets, Visitor Centre, Walks.
Hints and Tips: Watersmeet House, built c.1832 in a deep and spectacular gorge at the confluence of the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water, has a National Trust shop with refreshments and information.