New England Wood

River through New England Wood with bluebells

New England Wood

This reserve is currently closed to the public - please see statement below

New England Wood covers 21 hectares (53 acres) of broadleaf woodland at Lee Mill, half a mile from the A38 and seven miles to the east of Plymouth. This new nature reserve also has the River Yealm passing beneath its trees.

Location

Near Ivybridge
A static map of New England Wood

Know before you go

Size
21 hectares

Access

Currently closed to the public

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Currently closed to the public

Best time to visit

Currently closed to the public

About the reserve

Closure of New England Wood nature reserve to the public

Devon Wildlife Trust has taken the difficult decision to close its New England Wood nature reserve (near Ivybridge) to the public with immediate effect.

The closure is due to risks to public safety. A recent expert inspection of the reserve revealed that many of its ash trees are suffering severe effects from ash dieback disease. This has made some trees unsafe.

New England Wood nature reserve has a high number of ash trees. The inspection highlighted that many had shown rapid deterioration since a previous inspection undertaken a year ago. The risk to the safety of visitors means Devon Wildlife Trust has now decided to close the nature reserve to the public until further notice.

Temporary closure will allow Devon Wildlife Trust to undertake tree safety work. It plans to re-open parts of the site as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.

No public rights of way are affected by the nature reserve’s closure.

If you’d like to contact Devon Wildlife Trust about the temporary closure of New England Wood nature reserve email contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org

 

New England Wood has an interesting recent history and would have been lost to development if not for the campaigning and generous support of local people.

Until recently the area had been owned by an aggregates company who used part of it as a quarry. However when the quarry ceased to operate an application was made for a change of use. If successful, this would have led to the woodland being lost to a new development. It was then that a determined group of local people successfully campaigned for a different future for the wildlife haven. 

NOTICE: If you are visiting our reserves, please note that there have been instances of H5N1 Avian bird flu found in birds in Devon. There is very low risk to public health, but we do ask that if you come across any unusual or unexplained bird deaths on or near our reserves, please do not touch them and avoid allowing your dog to come into contact with dead birds. Please report them to Defra here or call 03459 335577 and also report your findings to DWT by email at contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org.

Location map

Conservation work at New England Wood

In November 2016 the ownership of New England Wood, with the help of funding by Viridor Credits Environmental Company, was transferred to Devon Wildlife Trust. Because this is a new site, and to respect the wishes of local people, there are no formal trails through or around New England Wood.

We've deliberately kept facilities to a minimum with the intention of keeping this as a tranquil place. Charming informal paths lead you through the site and along the River Yealm. In spring expect to see bluebells and ramsons beneath your feet. Year round the woodland is home to birds including tawny owls, long-tailed tits, treecreepers, nuthatches and great spotted woodpeckers.

Location

 
From A38 exit at Lee Mill junction following signs to Yealmpton. After approximately a mile at sharp right hand bend, take the minor road straight ahead. Where the road forks, go left. Follow this road to the bridge over the River Yealm, marked Popple's Bridge on OS maps. The reserve entrance is next to the river. There is space to park a car on the western approach to the bridge though parking is very limited.

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The vital work we do for nature depends on the support of people who care about the future of Devon’s wildlife and wild places.

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New England Wood nature reserve leaflet