Wildlife Wander-Support DWT!
Devon Wildlife Trust is managing Meeth Quarry, a new and developing nature reserve, a place that people can enjoy and in which wildlife can flourish. The quarry is unlike any other reserve, its industrial past has dramatically shaped its present state.
For nearly 100 years it was a series of busy clay quarries and mines. Production stopped in 2004 and the opencast works were allowed to flood, encouraging wildfowl as regular visitors. The legacy of this industry has created a very diverse landscape. Today, two enormous lakes and massive piles of clay spoil dominate its features. Elsewhere there are ponds, woodlands, bogs and grasslands. Together they make Meeth Quarry nature reserve a home for a diverse range of wildlife and a wonderful place for people to explore.
Pick up a Reserve leaflet in the car park, which shows the footpaths, trails and other key features. Take care whilst exploring as the water is very deep in places and also ensure dogs are kept on a short lead at all times. Please note the following:-
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With grazing livestock present paths may be closed for short periods.
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Be aware of other path users. Cyclists must give way to all other users.
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Dogs are restricted to some parts of the reserve. See local signs.
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Please keep dogs on short leads and clear up their mess.
How to get there.
The best way is on foot or by bike along the Tarka Trail (Route 27 National Cycle Network. This trail bisects the nature reserve one mile from its southern end at Meeth. Visit www.devon.gov.uk/tarkatrail for more details.
People arriving by car should use the A386 Hatherleigh to Great Torrington road. On entering Meeth village look for the Devon Wildlife sign, this appears just within the southern perimeter of the village (on your left heading north). Enter a service road here and drive just under a mile before reaching the reserve car park.
For more details visit:- www.devonwildlifetrust.org
Car drivers should be aware that the access gates are locked at night. See local signs indicating opening/closing times. Other users are unaffected by the locked gates.
Many thanks to Devon Wildlife Trust for their kind permission in allowing the placement of this cache. We hope you enjoy discovering the reserve and these caches.