Holyford Woods is a beautiful ancient woodland bursting with wildlife. Managed by the East Devon District Council Countryside Team in partnership with the Axe Vale & District Conservation Society, parts of this special site have been woodland for over 400 years.

Home to oak, ash and hazel trees, the woods provides nesting sites for birds such as tawny owls, grey wagtails and long-tailed tits. It also supports bats, including the rare Barbastelle and Bechstein’s, as well as dormice, roe deer, badgers and weasels.

A goyle — a sunken stream — runs through the heart of the woods, feeding the Stafford Brook, which flows into the Axe Estuary at nearby Colyford Common in Seaton Wetlands. Wander the woodland trails and bring a picnic for an enchanting day out in nature.

In spring, the woodland comes alive with bird song, a carpets of bluebells and golden daffodils and the scent of wild garlic.