Lopwell Dam

Lopwell is a site of breataking beauty enjoyed by local residents and tourist alike, especially for bird watching and walking. Situated at the upper tidal mark on the River Tavy, three miles from the north Plymouth and seven miles from Tavistock, this wildlife haven lies in the countryside but is close to the city where the Tamar Discovery Trail begins. The low dam and ancillary buildings were built in 1953 but a new water pumping station was completed in 1981, rendering the orignal pump house redundant. The Dam and surrounding land are the Devon’s newest Local Nature Reserve. It includes 1 hectare of Saltmarsh habitat and 4 hectares of enhanced ancient woodland.Other habitats on site include freshwater marsh, managed grassland and those of freshwater river and estuary. No other LNR in Devon has this unique combination of salt and fresh water habitats. The designated area reflects the local surroundings and is a focal point for the appreciation of the River Tavy system as a whole.

Where: SX476 651
When: Spring is fantastic for nature, and winter is great for over wintering wading birds
Facilities: Car Park, Dogs Allowed, Information Boards, Cycle Paths, Resfrshments, Toilets, Visitor Centre, Walks,
Access: No bus route. Cycle and walking routes available.