Forder Valley is a Local Nature Reserve in the northeast of Plymouth, next to the communities of Leigham, Estover and Eggbuckland. It's a good sized green space (28 hectares) where you can enjoy walking and playing as well as exploring nature.
The most recent improvements to the site carried out by the Stepping Stones to Nature project have included upgrading paths, new signage designed by Leigham Primary School children, a pond dipping platform, picnic table and natural play features.
Why not enjoy a circular walk through the reserve? Stroll along the old tramway under the tree canopy, down to the pond and meadow to the picnic area. There are some steps, slopes and uneven ground on the route.
Wildlife
The site provides a valuable landscape and biodiversity resource for the area and contains a number of habitats including woodland, meadows, a stream, a pond and marshland.
Species we've spotted include:
- The Plymouth Pear
- Silver-washed fritillary, common blue and small copper butterflies
- Bluebells, yellow flag iris and bee orchids
OPAL have provided a more detailed list of animals found at the reserve.
For more detailed information on access and the management see the documents below:
Walks and features
- Network of paths and circular walking route
- Pond with dipping platform
- Sky viewing platform
- Wildflower meadow
- The historical tramway is a flat route easily accessible from the entrance at Longbridge Road, the tramway is 1km long with seating at points
- Natural play features throughout the site (open all year and inspected weekly)
- Picnic bench in the meadow area
- Other seating throughout the reserve
Remember this is a Local Nature Reserve, please be considerate to wildlife and to other users:
- Don't pick wild flowers or plants
- Don't disturb animals
- Take your litter home
- Keep dogs under control
- Keep dogs out stream area
- Clean up after your dogs
- No camping
- No motorbikes
- No fires
Access
- Steps and steep slopes at most entrances
Travel and directions
- 1km from Marsh Mills and the National Cycle Route 27
- Accessible by public transport with bus stops at Delamere Road, Barnstaple Close, Bampton Road and Shallowford Road, all in close walking distance from the reserve
- No official car park (some parking available on Sheepstor Road)