Ridgetop Park

Region: South West

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 Present and the Future

Ridgetop Park is managed in partnership with Teignbridge District Council for the benefit of local residents and wildlife. The Council’s Rangers look after the site on a day-to day-basis and run community events. For news, details of events and volunteering opportunities sign up here to receive the Teignbridge Green Spaces Newsletter

Ridgetop Park Contact


The site contact for our Ridgetop Park space is the Ranger Tel: 01626 215751

This space is managed in partnership with Teignbridge District Council

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Open access

Car Parking

Free car park off Trood Lane (What3Words location ///engage.soup.bond). Please do not park cars on either Old Matford Lane or Deepway Lane. These are public highways, and local residents and farmer need clear access at all times.

Toilets

Nearest public toilets are at Matford Park and Ride, or Exminster Main Road.
(click here to find the nearest public toilets)

Café

Carriages Bar & Brasserie is nearby (open daily)

Entrance cost

The site is free to use.

Accessibility

Sloping site, very steep in places. A variety of unsurfaced paths.

Footpaths

Yes, unsurfaced.

Dogs

Well-controlled dogs are welcome. Please pick up after your dog and use the bins provided.

Things to do

Great Viewpoints: Eastern Horizons lines up with sunrise during the solstice, as does Western Horizons at sunset. Cloud Base gives you a chance to admire the big skies, leaning back into the specially designed seating. Wood art carvings, local history, walking, bird watching, wildlife spotting. Look out for the on-site information boards which delve into the history from the ancient geology through the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. Also, Roman, Viking and Norman Invasions and the Tudor Wool industry. Look out for Kersey and Serge – the two resident (carved) sheep!

Conservation, Wildlife, Flora, Fauna

Grassland meadows, native hedgerows, broadleaved woodland, orchard and open barley fields.

Other nearby attractions

RSPB Matford Marshes, DWT Riverside Valley Park, RSPB Exminster & Powderham Marshes, Devon Sculpture Park, Powderham Castle.

Other Links

View the link

Location

Trood Lane, Matford, Exeter, EX2 8XX

Site size: 21 hectares

Events

There are currently no events relating to this space.

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News

There are currently no news stories relating to this space.

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History

Ridgetop Park opened in June 2022. It was a “soft” opening as the car park for the site had not yet been completed. This quiet opening made it available to those who wanted to walk or cycle to the site. The car park opened in March 2023 making it more accessible. With the car park now available, activities and events can begin to take place as we welcome more people to join us at Ridgetop and learn about its wonderful history and enjoy the spectacular views.

The Land Trust took over responsibility for Ridgetop Park in April 2022 and manages the site in partnership with Teignbridge District Council, which undertakes the day-to-day site management.

Development

Teignbridge District Council is working in partnership with The Land Trust to maximise the benefits for the local community from this important public greenspace. Current and future management seeks to enhance the biodiversity and recreational value of the site.

Land Trust Contact

To contact the Land Trust about this site or how we could help manage your space please click here .

To enquire about holding an event on a Land Trust site, please click here.

Our other spaces in the South West

How you can help

We are always on the look out for enthusiastic, committed people who want to make a real and lasting difference in their local community.

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