Devon Wildlife is the proud new custodian of Ideford Common, near Teignmouth. Its 40 hectares are principally heathland, with some woodland. The nature reserve occupies an enviable spot on the gentle slopes of the Haldon Hills. From it, visitors get tremendous views of the Teign Valley and beyond to Dartmoor. 

The nature reserve is owned by the Clifford Estate and had been managed by Teignmouth District Council since 1993. As the new custodian, Devon Wildlife Trust brings a wealth of experience of caring for similar heathland sites nearby. These include well-known locations such as Chudleigh Knighton Heath, Bovey Heathfield and Teigngrace Meadow nature reserves.

Matt Boydell is Devon Wildlife Trusts’ nature reserves manager. Matt said:

“We’re delighted to be taking on the management of Ideford Common. It’s one of South Devon’s top wildlife reserves and is rightly designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its covering of heather, gorse and scattered trees make it a good place to see and hear heathland birds including Dartford warblers, stonechats and nightjars. It’s also home to a stunning array of insects like glow worms, small heath and common blue butterflies, as well as reptiles including adders, slow worms and common lizards.”

Alongside its wildlife, Ideford Common also has strong historical interest. It is the site of a pre-historic barrow, and also has two stone cairns.