Halsdon. Photo, Kevin New
Please note, the Halsdon bird hide is closed until further notice due to storm damage.
Location
OS Map Reference
SS 553 131
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoParking information
Two small car parks at its Ashwell and Quarry entrances.Grazing animals
YesWalking trails
4 way marked trails, allow 1.5 hours for the longest.
Access
1km level track leads to the river. Most of the woodland paths are steep in parts and unsurfaced.
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
All year roundAbout the reserve
This is many people’s favourite Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve and it’s easy to see why!
Habitat
Contact us
Environmental designation
Location map
How to get to Halsdon
Take our video tour here
Watch this short film guide to Halsdon in the company of wildlife expert and TV presenter Mike Dilger.
Otter. Photo, Matt Whorlow
Wander through trees to the river
Waymarked walks weave down through woodland leading you to the banks and water meadows of the River Torridge. Along the way the sounds of birdsong give way to the rush of the river.
In summer the Torridge is the place to see sand martins and kingfishers. In winter look for ducks including goosanders as they dive beneath the water’s surface to catch fish. All year round you have a chance of seeing otters – a riverside wildlife hide is the place to go and try your luck.
In autumn and winter search for fungi on the woodland floor and the branches of trees. Above your head listen for the calls of long-tailed tits and tawny owls, while great spotted woodpeckers hammer out their territorial signals.
Halsdon. Photo, Kevin New
Picture perfect
Halsdon has miles of well-marked trails to discover. If you want to take a step further download a copy of our Ravilious Trail leaflet, named after the notable photographer James Ravillious who documented local people and places from the 1970s to the 1990s. This easy walking trail will take you to the scenes of some of his most famous images.
Explore on foot
You can use Halsdon as a base from which to explore this fascinating part of Devon. Use our Halsdon Wild Walk as your guide.
Halsdon nature reserve 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.