Wild daffodils at Dunsford nature reserve. Photo, Vicki Gardner
Location
OS Map Reference
SX 805 883
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoGrazing animals
YesWalking trails
Dunsford has level paths which lead you through the reserve (allow 1.5 hours to walk out and back). A circular walk is possible using an access trail on the opposite bank of the river (not DWT land).
Access
Wide level paths, muddy in parts. Allow 1.5 hours to walk to one end and back. The climb to top of the nature reserve is steep.
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
All year roundAbout the reserve
Dunsford is one of our best-loved and most beautiful nature reserves. It is an ideal place to begin to explore Devon's wild side.
Contact us
Environmental designation
Location map
How to get to Dunsford
Dunsford nature reserve. Photo, Dave Chamberlain
An ideal place to explore Devon's wild side
Walk alongside the river Teign as it winds through a steep-sided valley of oak, ash and birch. Look out for kingfishers, goosanders, dippers and otters on the river. Tawny owls, flycatchers and woodpeckers live among the trees. Herds of fallow deer also regularly pass through its wooded valley.
From the Clifford Bridge entrance climb to the top of Dunsford for great views and a chance to see fritillary butterflies skimming across the tops of bracken-covered slopes.
Recently we've also cut a new path which climbs through Dunsford's woodland to a bench with wonderful views along the Teign Valley - well worth the effort!
Daffodils at Dunsford
Dunsford means daffodils
Spring brings lots of visitors to the nature reserve. It's then that Dunsford's woodland floor turns yellow with a spectacular show of wild daffodils - one of Devon's natural wonders.
This is a nature reserve with beautiful scenery and a lots of wildlife. No surprise that Dunsford remains a firm favourite with many people.
Take your next step...
Dunsford is an excellent place to start to explore Devon's beautiful Teign Valley.
If you want a longer walk, the nature reserve joins lanes and footpaths leading along the Teign Valley to Fingle Bridge and Castle Drogo. Use Ordnance Survey Map OL28-Dartmoor to plan your trip.
Dunsford nature reserve has been been supported by Viridor Credits Environmental Company.
Dipper. Photo, Chris Root
Bovey Tracey local group at Dunsford. Photo, John Wych
Tawny owl
Dog walk at Dunsford. Photo, Simon Williams
Goosander. Photo, Richard Steel/2020VISION
Use this download map and guide to explore Dunsford
Explore our Dartmoor nature reserves: download this leaflet
Become a member and support our work
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.