Southway Valley Local Nature Reserve

Southway Valley is a narrow steep-sided valley in the north of Plymouth, running alongside Southway Drive. It's a mostly wooded area, with a stream that runs into Tamerton Creek on the Tamar Estuary and some open grassland areas. It covers about 17 hectares - that's about 17 full sized football pitches!

In spring look out for the colourful display of flowers such as common spotted orchid and bluebells. If you are lucky, you might see badgers foraging for earthworms in the undergrowth at dusk or dawn and keep your ears open for the melody of the song thrush.

Consultation between October 2010 and January 2011 with local residents, schools, young people and other community groups demonstrated an interest to improve the nature reserve environment for use by the local community. Following this consultation, Stepping Stones to Nature has been successful in securing funding to improve Southway Valley Local Nature Reserve. Improvements will focus on:

• Upgrading existing paths and steps
• Installing and designing entrance signs and maps
• Installing seating
• Creating a nature trail
• Promoting use of the nature reserve by working with schools, local services, community groups and holding community events

A full a report of the latest community engagement is available below.

Southway community engagement report [697KB]

Volunteer with Groundwork South West in Southway Valley

If you're interested in volunteering to help with the improvements contact Groundwork South West for details. Telephone 01752 217721 or email volunteerplymouth@gwsw.org.uk.

If you require further information please contact the Stepping Stones team.

Southway Valley Update

Spring 2012 [626KB]

Winter 2011 [2.35MB]

Autumn 2011 [206KB]

Events

There are various events taking place in all of our woodlands - for more information please view our events page.