The Staverton Nature Reserve is an untouched woodland of considerable ecological importance on the north bank of the River Dart, a short distance downstream from Staverton Bridge. Such plots of land, untouched by humans or agriculture are surprisingly rare these days, and are being lost at a worrying rate. More information in this excellent report from the Wildlife Trust.
A report on the trees in the nature area – April 2019
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In order to raise funds to purchase the plot of land used to provide allotments in Landscove, Staverton Parish Council made a decision in late 2014 to sell this woodland area to K J Thulborn Ltd.
The Council’s decision was made without the benefit of access to historic documents setting out the importance of this woodland area, and the Council proceeded believing the area to be nothing more than a plot of rough ground.
As awareness of the Council’s decision spread, the environmental significance of this plot of undisturbed woodland became apparent. A group of parishioners decided to petition the Council and form a community society to raise funds in order to purchase this valuable site, together with the adjacent Boardwalk area, with the intention of safeguarding it in-perpetuity within a protective legal structure.
After listening to the concerns of parishioners, the Council agreed to rescind their earlier decision to sell the plot into private hands, but with the proviso that newly established society is able to proceed with the sale by 31 January 2015. EGM minutes here.
Other pages relating to the Staverton Nature Reserve:
- Map of area
- Fund raising including total raised so far
- Ecological significance including report from Dr Peter Beale
- More photos