Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are living green spaces which are important for people and support vibrant wildlife. They are important to the health and prosperity of our city, providing ecosystem services including absorbing carbon, cleaning the air, providing opportunities for pollinating insects and natural flood management. They are free for the public to visit, learn about nature and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors in nature.
There are now 13 Local Nature Reserves in Plymouth (12 of these are owned and managed by Plymouth City Council in partnership with local communities). Volunteer groups are crucial in managing these sites, regular work parties and volunteer groups carry out management activities across the sites. For more information on these follow the link to the Nature Plymouth Facebook page or email [email protected].
All unitary, district and county councils can acquire, declare and manage Local Nature Reserves.
In 2018 3 new reserves were designated bringing the total area of LNR within the city to 297 hectares – which is well above the national standard of 1 hectare for every 1000 people.
Bircham Valley is a Local Nature Reserve located in the north of Plymouth immediately south of Derriford Hospital.
Budshead Wood is a Local Nature Reserve located in the north-west of Plymouth immediately east of Ernesettle and south of Tamerton Creek.
Cann Wood is a Local Nature Reserve located in the north-west of Plymouth immediately north of Whitleigh and south of Tamerton Foliot.
Efford Marsh is a Local Nature Reserve located in the east of Plymouth between the A38 and Efford
Forder Valley is a Local Nature Reserve in the northeast of Plymouth, next to the communities of Leigham, Estover and Eggbuckland
Ham Woods is located just south of the A38, adjacent to the Burrington Industrial Estate and north of the areas of Ham and Pennycross
Kings Tamerton Wood covers around eight hectares and is located in the west of Plymouth adjacent to the neighbourhood of Kings Tamerton.
Newnham Meadows Local Nature Reserve is a green corridor situated between the Newnham Industrial Estate and Newnham Housing estate in Plympton
Radford Woods covers 40.2 hectares and is located in the south-east of Plymouth and is a place where you can relax, walk, play and explore nature.
Seaton & Lower Bircham Valleys are situated to the south of Derriford Hospital and to the east of Crownhill stretching down to Forder Valley Road.
Southway Valley is located in the north of Plymouth. It's a good sized green space covering 17 hectares (that's about 17 full-sized football pitches) where you can enjoy walking and playing as well as exploring nature.
Whitleigh Wood is located in the north of Plymouth between the residential districts of Whitleigh, Southway and Tamerton Foliot.Woodland Trust
Woodland Wood is located in the north of Plymouth immediately south of Whitleigh and north of Honicknowle.