Bircham Valley Local Nature Reserve

Bircham Valley is located in the north of Plymouth immediately south of Derriford Hospital and adjacent to the residential area of Thornbury. The site covers 14.1ha and is owned by Plymouth City Council and managed by Parks Services. The reserve provides a tranquil place for visitors to relax and get away from the hubbub of the city. In spring, the woodlands are covered in an attractive carpet of bluebells whilst in summer visitors can sit down and enjoy areas of grassland or spend time watching the variety of insects including dragonflies, that live in and around the pond.

The reserve can be accessed by public transport from Derriford Road, Tavistock Road and Miller Way. There are several circular walks within the reserve and on its proposed extension into NHS land. Infrastructure and signage was upgraded in 2008 to 2009 with the help of BTCV and the local community.

For more detailed information on access and the management of Bircham Valley Local Nature Reserve refer to the Management Plan below:

Bircham Valley Local Nature Reserve Management Plan [860KB]

Bircham Valley Local Nature Reserve declaration [1.91MB]

Habitat survey [661KB]

Improvements map [1.46MB]

Location map [2.28MB]

Management activities [1.47MB]

Management unit map [1.46MB]

Pathway maintenance map [556KB]

Site features map [452KB]

Site ownership map [451KB]

Suggested access improvements map [313KB]

Location map