About the reserve

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.