Local Nature Reserves are areas of land which are set aside by Local Authorities and managed for the benefit of the habitats, animals and plants they contain at the same time as providing facilities for the quiet enjoyment of nature by the public.

Plymouth has 23 County Wildlife Sites, not all of which are accessible to the public.

Plymouth has the following Local Nature Reserves, designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. A leaflet is available for each Reserve which shows its location, details of the points of interest on the walk through, and includes drawings of some of the plant and animal life to be found in the area. Copies of the leaflets can be obtained from the Plymouth Tourist Information Centres. Further information may also be obtained by telephoning Plymouth City Nature Conservation department on (01752) 304229.

Stepping Stones to Nature is an exciting new project to get more Plymouth residents enjoying our parks and natural spaces in and around the city.

Bircham Valley Local Nature Reserve

South of Derriford Hospital, adjacent to Thornbury.
Extends for 14 hectares, containing mainly valley bottom deciduous woodlands and open field areas.
Bircham Valley leaflet

Blagdon’s Meadow

An area of grassland located between the Plym estuary and Embankment Road. As well as providing a site for informal recreation the meadow has been used as an outdoor classroom and recreation centre and to host a variety of interpretive events such as walks and talks.

Budshead Wood Local Nature Reserve

East of Ernesettle and south of Tamerton Creek.
Extends for 14.6 hectares. It is a recognised ancient woodland which dates back to the Middle Ages. Its more important habitats include wetland, scrub, wet woodland and mature deciduous woodlands.

Cann Woods – The Andy Stevens Nature Reserve

On the borders of Southway and Tamerton.
Offers a sanctuary of ancient woodland and wildflower grasslands. There is a circular walking route, way-markings and path surfacing, steps and a trail for horse riders.

Efford Marsh Local Nature Reserve

Between Efford and Marsh Mills.
Extends for 25 hectares. Its more important habitats include ponds, willow thickets, swampy marshland, scrub, mature deciduous woodlands, old field systems and young woodland.

Forder Valley Local Nature Reserve

Between Eggbuckland and Leigham.
Covers 28 hectares of deciduous woodland, scrub, open fields and marshy grassland.

Lopwell Dam

The breathtaking Lopwell Dam on the upper tidal mark of the River Tavy is an excellent site for bird watching and walking.
Located just 3 miles north of Plymouth and 7 miles from Tavistock, this wildlife haven is well worth a visit. A brand new cafe and visitor centre is welcoming guests at the recently refurbished Old Pumphouse at Lopwell.
Lopwell Dam is a designated Local Nature Reserve (LNR) covering an area of approximately 5 hectares. The area consists of several different habitats including mudflats, freshwater marsh, wildflower meadow, scrub-grassland, saltmarsh and semi-natural woodland. The area is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Radford Woods

Covers 37.2 hectares at Plymstock. As well as broad leaf woodland there are also wetland and grassland habitats and the site includes such features as streams and old quarries. Three public rights of way cross this reserve, one of which is part of the Plym Erme trail.

Southway Valley Local Nature Reserve

Extends for 17 hectares. Its more important habitats include broad-leaved woodlands, extensive scrub and rough grassland.

Warleigh Point

A Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve running along the creek of the River Tamar at Tamerton Foliot. From the A386 Plymouth – Tavistock road, follow signs to Tamerton Foliot. Soon after the church the road bends to the right; take the turning left signed Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve. (Map ref. SX450608).

Whitleigh Wood

Whitleigh Wood is located in the north of Plymouth between the residential districts of Whitleigh, Southway and Tamerton Foliot. The reserve is predominantly ancient woodland and covers 20ha and is owned and managed by The Woodland Trust.

Woodland Wood Local Nature Reserve

Extends for 29 hectares. Its more important habitats include rough grassland, scrub and mature deciduous woodland. It has existed as a woodland since mediaeval times.