Glade
← Back🌳 Broadleaved woodland

South Ball Plantation

23 ha
WildlifeBirdsForaging
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome23 ha

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🌞Midsummer — early morning visits most comfortable; look for deer fawns in quieter clearings
  • 🌿Foraging is at its best in summer here
  • 🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome
Parking

Best for

7 activities

Wildlife

Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals; Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals

Free

Bird watching

Birds — House Sparrow, Blackbird, Blue Tit +59 more · last seen 2023; Birds — House Sparrow, Blackbird, Blue Tit +59 more · last seen 2023

Free

Foraging

Plants — Hogweed, Common Sorrel, Wild Strawberry +19 more foraging species; Deciduous woodland — fungi, berries and wild garlic

Varies

Seasonal nature

Plants — Japanese Knotweed, Hogweed, Germander Speedwell +142 more · last seen 2024; Plants — Japanese Knotweed, Hogweed, Germander Speedwell +142 more · last seen 2024

Free

Dog walks

Dogs allowed — public woodland

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — Large White, Small White, Violet Oil-beetle +29 more · last seen 2026; Insects — Large White, Small White, Violet Oil-beetle +29 more · last seen 2026

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

9 signed routes nearby · 5 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
Arlington Court Coombeshead valley walk, Arlington CourtWalking route5.7 km

The walk follows footpaths around the estate, through woodland and fields, with both uphill and downhill sections and some muddy areas.

Named routeLength 5.7 kmDuration 02:30Local walking route
Vole Walk, Arlington CourtWalking route1.9 km

See some of the exciting nature recovery work being undertaken at Arlington with this short circular walk directly from the visitor car park. From orchards to woodland creation, wetland work and the spreading of wildflowers seed, along with views out acro

Named routeLength 1.9 kmDuration 01:00Round tripLocal walking route
Winford Valley walk at Arlington Court, Arlington CourtWalking route3.2 km

Fairly easy terrain following footpaths through woodland, fields and roads around the estate. Includes one set of steps and one steady climb, which can be muddy.

Named routeLength 3.2 kmDuration 01:00Round tripLocal walking route
Lake walk at Arlington Court, Arlington CourtWalking route2.8 km

Fairly easy terrain, one steady climb. Follows wide footpaths through the estate. Some parts can be muddy.

Named routeLength 2.8 kmDuration 01:00Round tripLocal walking route
Arlington Court deer park circular walk, Arlington CourtWalking route4.8 km

This walk follows footpaths around the estate, including through sections of woodland. Some parts can be muddy, some steep.

Named routeLength 4.8 kmDuration 02:00Round tripLocal walking route
🚴

Cycling

6 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
Route 27Cycling route
Named routeRef 27National Cycle Network
North Devon Cycle RouteCycling route
Named routeRegional cycle route
Tarka TrailCycling route
Named routeRegional cycle route
N/ACycling route193 m
Named routeLength 193 mNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface asphalt
Main RouteCycling route3.6 km
Named routeRef 27Length 3.6 kmNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface asphalt
Main RouteCycling route2.4 km
Named routeRef 27Length 2.4 kmNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface asphalt
🐴

Horse riding

3 public paths nearby

Public paths
Rookbear Lanebridleway · 239 m
Public pathbridlewayLength 239 mPath type: unclassified
Rookbear Lanebridleway · 1.2 km
Public pathbridlewayLength 1.2 kmPath type: track
Rookbear Lanebridleway · 485 m
Public pathbridlewayLength 485 mPath type: service

Wildlife to spot

Photos

1 / 15

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