Wildlife at Haldon Forest Park
Devon
England
Exeter is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: SX884849
Haldon Forest Park lies along the top of the Haldon ridge and provides a home for a rich array of wildlife. It is very well known for its birds of prey, but spend an afternoon here and you may be surprised at how much other wildlife can be spotted.
Mammals: Both the roe and falllow deer which inhabit the forest are shy but you may hear them rustle in the undergrowth as you walk around, or see them bound across the track in front of you. The fallow population at Haldon is rare - instead of the familiar white spotted markings, these deer have almost black backs.
You may also see signs of the dormouse, stoat or badger, whilst walking around the forest. We have information about Roe deer, Fallow deer and Badger
Birds: If you want to see birds of prey, Haldon Forest Park is a good place to start. Raptors known to frequent the forest are buzzard, goshawk, hobby, peregrine, sparrowhawk and kestrel. It is a nationally important site for nightjar and the management of the forest has encouraged the nightjar population to breed successfully. If you are in the forest at dusk during May-July, you may hear their 'churring' call or see them flying close overhead as they catch insects. We have information about Nightjar
Insects and reptiles: The adder, grass snake, common lizard and slow worm can sometimes be seen sunning themselves on banks and stones on a sunny day. Haldon is also an important site for butterflies and is recognised both locally and nationally as being home to a number of rare species. Along the Butterfly Walk you will find an area which is being actively managed to encourage pearl-bordered fritillary breeding. We have information about Pearl-bordered fritillary and Silver-washed fritillary
Habitats: Pockets of heathland can be found within the forest, introduced to increase the biodiversity here. We have information about Lowland heath
How to get there:
Travelling by car on the A38 turn off at the exit for Exeter Racecourse (there are no slip roads for this turning). Follow the signs for Haldon Forest Park. The Haldon Gateway car park is signposted further along the road on the left. For the Mamhead car park follow the signs for Mamhead and Starcross from the A380.
Local Weather Forecast (Multimap)
Enter through:
Haldon Gateway
Bird of Prey Viewpoint
Facilities:
Activities:
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Use of the riding trails at Haldon Forest Park is now free of charge. |
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Contact:
Haldon Forest Park
Ranger's Office
01392 834251
What's of interest
Haldon Forest is home to the famous Bird of Prey Viewpoint from where you can enjoy spectacular views of many of these magnificent birds.
Did you know
This forest was the first man-made coniferous area to be designated a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and as such is managed sympathetically.
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