
Ideford Common
Location

Know before you go
Entry fee
FreeParking information
Car park at main entrance (not managed by DWT)Access
Once at the nature reserve there is a network of tracks which provide access around the site. Three of the tracks are designated public bridleways and access on horseback and bicycle is permitted over those. All other tracks, one of which is designated as a public footpath, are pedestrian access only. Although many of the trackways are quite level in gradient and therefore suitable for less mobile people, their surface consists of eroded, exposed flints. Therefore they are not suitable for conventional wheelchairs, electric scooters and pushchairs.
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
All yearAbout the reserve
Great Haldon Heaths were notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1988. Ideford Common falls within this SSSI. Ideford Common represents about 2% of the remaining lowland heath in Devon.
Typical heathland species are abundant across the site and there are areas of silver birch and willow scrub, valuable for feeding nightjar, on the margins. These birds arrive in spring and depart in August. Visit the nature reserve at dusk during this time to hear their amazing churring calls.
Other of Ideford Common's birds include stonechats and Dartford warblers, while it is also a refuge for reptiles including common lizards and adders.
Visit in September to see a spectacular display of pink and purple coloured heather blooms.
A trip to Ideford Common also offers great year-round views across the Teign Valley and beyond to Dartmoor.
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. Call Defra on 03459 33 55 77 and report your findings. Please also report your findings to DWT by email at contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org