Welcome to the West Devon Borough Council website.

What is a Local Nature Reserve?

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are for both people and wildlife. They are places with wildlife or geological features that are of speical interest locally. They offer people special opportunities to study or learn about nature or simply to enjoy it.

Old Town Park LNR - Where can I find it?                  

Old Town Park in Okehampton is next to the English Heritage managed Okehampton Castle. There is parking available, and disabled access to the park.   

What  can I see at Old Town Park?                                

Old Town Park is a varied site, with a network of paths running through grassland and mainly oak woodland, and alongside the West Okement River. Two long-distance walks (the West Devon Way and Two Castles Trail) run through Old Town Park. Leaflets detailing these two walks are available from Tourist Information Centres, and the West Devon Way booklet is available under 'Useful Information' below.      

For more information about the wildlife and habitats you can see at Old Town Park, please open the Old Town Park Interpretation Board attachment. You can also view the Old Town Park LNR educational leaflet by clicking on the attachment. If you require a paper copy, these can be collected from the Okehampton Tourist Information Centre.

Tavistock Viaduct Walk LNR  - Where can I find it?                       

The Tavistock Viaduct Walk in Tavistock can be accessed from Kilworthy Park (where there is parking), or from the opposite end at Crease Lane. There is disabled access along the entire walk.         

What can I see on the Tavistock Viaduct Walk?

Tavistock Viaduct Walk is a 1.25-mile footpath along a disused railway cutting. There are numerous habitats including rock faces, wet flushes and standing water and broadleaved woodland species. The National Cycle Network (Route 27) and Tavistock Town Trail also follow the same path. A leafet is available from the Tourist Information Centre next to the Pannier Market. Tavistock Viaduct Walk marks the start of the Drakes Trail (link to webpage) section of the NCN Route 27.            

For more information about the Tavistock Viaduct Walk LNR, its history, and wildlife, please see the two attachments which show the interpretation information present on panels at the LNR.

Are dogs allowed on the Local Nature Reserves?       

Dogs are allowed on both LNRs, however it is kindly requested that you clean up after your dogs. Dog bins are provided at each end of the Tavistock Viaduct Walk, and at the entrance inside Old Town Park.

Are there any toilets at the nature reserves?

There are no toilet facilities at either site. Both sites are within 15 minutes walk of the nearest town centres which have easily-accessible toilet facilities.

What other nature reserves are there in West Devon?                

Roadford LNR (near Germansweek) - This is an area of 34 hectares of freshwater, marshland and woodland at the upper northern end of the reservoir. The area is owned by South West Water, and the conservation management is carried out by the South West Lakes Trust.

Lopwell LNR - 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. Lopwell LNR 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).