South West

Visit these spaces in the South West...


Castle Hill Country Park

This countryside park on former farmland to the north of Salisbury provides fine views across a huge area of Wiltshire. The Laverstock Downs, Salisbury Cathedral, Old Sarum and nearby airfield can all be viewed from the high ground. The site has developed in the last few years and is now a fantastic home for wildlife. It is a breeding ground for the Red-listed Skylark and the chalk soils allow for a range of less common plant species.

Dawlish Countryside Park

This spacious Countryside Park has splendid views across Babbacombe Bay to Hopes Nose and great wildlife, including Cirl bunting and Skylark. Established in 2017 on former arable land, the Park now features expansive meadows, diverse hedgerows, new woodland planting, an orchard and Spring barley fields, making this a popular outdoor destination for the local community.

Hogmoor Inclosure

Prince Philip Park will comprise a variety of public open spaces totalling 114 hectares (equivalent to 158 football pitches). In order to preserve and enhance these spaces the areas will be managed by the Land Trust on behalf of Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company (WBRC). Hogmoor Inclosure is a more natural open space within this area and is the third largest Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) of its kind in the UK, containing a variety of habitats and natural features and will be a space where visitors can experience nature. It will be managed by the Land Trust on your behalf. Established in 2017, the purpose of this SANG is to avoid increased recreational pressure on the Wealden Heaths Phase II Special Protection Area (SPA), Shortheath Common Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Woolmer Forest (SAC) from new residential development by providing an alternative recreation area that offers a similar experience to the SPA and SACs.

Knowle Haven Nature Reserve

Since 2014 this former grazing paddock has been transformed into a lovely community nature reserve and is now a flourishing haven for wildlife. The reserve is managed in partnership with The Friends of Knowle Haven a dedicated group of volunteers working to ensure the conservation, protection and improvement of the reserve for all to enjoy. The reserve is used by a wide range of community groups, local residents and visitors and is a great place for wildlife spotting.

Osprey Quay

This nine hectare coastal site on the south-western shore of Portland Harbour, Dorset includes flood defences, open greenspace and a waterfront promenade between Portland Castle and Portland Marina. There are splendid sea views from Castle Court Memorial Garden overlooking the marina and harbour. The site is close to the tourist hotspot of Chesil Beach, part of the Jurassic Coast and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ridgetop Park

This expansive new greenspace on former agricultural land boasts some of the best views of Exeter and beyond. As the name suggests, Ridgetop Park sits on the high ground of Matford. Split into different sections, this fantastic open space, with lots to discover and explore, provides space to breathe and enjoy the views.

The Spinney

The Spinney is a prominent belt of mature beech, sycamore and lime trees planted in 1912 as a windbreak for the former Park Prewett Hospital estate, near Basingstoke, Hampshire. This lovely woodland avenue has a central path which provides opportunity for pleasant circular and short walks and wildlife spotting.