By: Blonde Two

Autumn has many benefits, cosy evenings around the fire, bracing windy walks and that favourite woolly jumper but one of the best-loved UK autumn activities has to be a walk through a wood and the chance to kick and smell the autumn leaves. The UK has 3.19 million hectares of woodland and some amazing woodland walks. Much of our woodland is looked after by Forestry England who are this year celebrating 100 years of forestry with some fantastic events. We can’t list all of the forest walks in the UK but for today’s Tuesday’s Ten we have some beautiful autumn woods to visit in Devon.

How to leave no trace

Before visiting these beautiful places, please remember that all woodlands are fragile natural environments. As well as taking litter home, the leave no trace principle includes staying on  paths where possible, and looking instead of touching. Trees, lichens and moss all take a long time to grow. You might also want to reconsider your geotagging protocols if you are in a particularly sensitive, quiet spot.

Haldon Forest Park (Exeter) – great for bike rides, tree top adventures and orienteering

Lydford Gorge (Okehampton) – great for waterfalls, rocky walks, bird spotting and halloween

Bellever Forest (Dartmoor) – great for mixed forest, picnics, tor climbing and river paddling

Tarr Steps Woods (Exmoor) – great for lichen, giant stepping stones and pub dinners

Abbeyford Woods (Okehampton) – great for river walks, picnics, family fun and autumn leaves

Removed for it’s own protection.

Culbone Woods (Exmoor) – great for coastal views, lichen and a tiny church

Woodland Wood (Plymouth) – great for climbing, playing and family walks

Holne Woods (Dartmoor) – great for birdlife, riverside strolls, fungi and peace

Unamed Wood (near you) – great for finding (get a map and look for green spaces) and exploring from your doorstep

 

We hope you enjoy your leaf-kicking, conker-collecting, acorn-stomping, fantastic day out!

 

Tuesday’s Ten – Things You Might not Know about Trees

Autumn Confetti – A Dartmoor Wild Swim