This is a walk along the new Bridge and cycle path which you can also pick up the IKB and friends, GC 48 F7V on route, with views of the racecourse (which sadly not open on race days). Taking you through the Hackney Marshes Nature reserve. Then on the path beside the river Teign past a suitable refresment stop.
Then go on up Hackney lane turn left into River close go on up to the end and turn left back on to the trail.
Hackney Marshes is a County Wildlife Site and consists of 5 main habitat types; flood meadows, ponds, streams, hedgerows and woodland.
There are two semi-natural meadows. The north meadow is more species-rich because it has not been so intensively farmed. The south meadow has been agriculturally improved.
Buzzards, kestrels and pheasants are often seen around the marshes. Snipe feed there at night as, occasionally, do woodcock. Mammals include a range of mice and vole species and larger animals such as the badger. The meadows are also very rich in invertebrates which are especially noticeable in late summer.
The ponds and streams host a variety of freshwater and maritime species. The emerald damselfly, which is not common in Devon, has been recorded here. The presence of water increases the value of the site for birds. Kingfishers, moorhens, mallards and herons are often seen by the waterside. The site is also known to be used by the rarer species Cetti's warbler and cirl bunting. Cetti's warbler first bred in the UK in 1972 and now has about 17% of its slowly - increasing British population in Devon. The Cirl bunting has about 25% of its British population in Teignbridge and the other 75% in Torbay and South Hams - truly a South Devon denizen.
The site's woodland is small in area and includes species both native and non-native to the region. Oak, alder, ash and willow are among the native species present. The woodland is important locally as a nesting site for kestrels and many small mammals and foxes are also found here.