East Devon, near Sidmouth
Knapp Copse Local Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
7.1
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.1A steep East Devon valley of woodland, meadows, stream and open views—with an unexpected recent past: part of the site was an active landfill until 1982, now capped and no longer apparent in the landscape.
Knapp Copse earns its place through the contrast of a hidden, steep-sided valley, varied habitats and far-reaching countryside views. Its story of nature returning to a former landfill gives the landscape an unusually tangible second life.
Peaceful · Secluded · Wild
Find your way
Open mapEast Devon, near Sidmouth
Opening map…
The experience
Allow around 1–2 hours to explore the reserve and its valley setting. Follow a route through the woodland and open habitats, and pause where the landscape opens to views across East Devon. Paths are reported as hilly; check conditions after rain.
Things to do
Walk through the valley habitat mosaic
Explore the contrast between woodland, grassland, springline mire and hedgerows on the reserve’s walking paths.
1–2 hours
Look and listen for birds
The reserve is described as supporting a wealth of wildlife and as a year-round birding location. Take time to listen and watch from the paths; no bird hide is listed by the birding source.
Find the open-country views
The walk is noted for expansive views across East Devon. Look for points where the wooded valley gives way to a wider countryside outlook.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick valley escape
- 01
Start at the reserve entrance and follow a route through the woodland and open habitats.
- 02
Pause where the valley opens to countryside views, then return by a suitable path.
- 03
Check conditions before setting out: the reserve is hilly and paths may be uneven or muddy.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of the valley
- 01
Explore the reserve’s woodland, grassland, streamside and mire habitats at an unhurried pace.
- 02
Where conditions and route information allow, connect with one of the circular walks using the permissive paths and East Devon Way.
- 03
Take time to notice how the reserve meets the surrounding countryside; plan refreshments independently, as no nearby café or pub pairing is verified here.
Verified history
A local walk account reports that Knapp Copse was an active landfill site until 1982. The site was capped, and the former use is described as no longer apparent in the landscape. The account says nature has returned and identifies the area as managed by the Wild East Devon team of the local district council.
Hidden details
The landscape’s former landfill use — Part of the site was reportedly an active landfill until 1982. Its former use is described as not remotely apparent now, making the restored landscape’s recent history easy to miss on a walk.
Look for changes in habitat — The reserve includes ancient woodland, species-rich grassland, springline mire and hedgerows—a varied sequence to notice while walking through and around the site.
When to go
March · April · May · No specific time of day is verified; consider visiting when you have good daylight for the hilly paths.
Spring is identified as a good time to visit, and the source row describes spring woodland growth and birdsong. Birding is reported as possible year-round.
The terrain is hilly and paths can be uneven or muddy, especially after rain. Wear suitable footwear and check current conditions.
The route
- surface
- Wide path reported; some paths may be uneven or muddy.
- duration
- 1–2 hours
- difficulty
- Easy walking trail reported; hilly terrain.
- route shape
- Circular walks are available through and around the reserve, including links to the East Devon Way.
- start point
- Reserve entrance; exact start-point details should be checked before visiting.
- parking start
- A small car park near the entrance is reported; verify current availability and access.
- Woodland, meadows and stream
- Steep-sided valley with countryside views
- Ancient woodland, species-rich grassland, springline mire and hedgerows
What to look for
Notice the change between woodland, species-rich grassland, springline mire and hedgerows. Look for the valley’s stream and places where the path opens to wider countryside views. The former landfill’s restoration is not apparent in the landscape, according to a local walk account.
The story
Landscape restoration: part of the site was an active landfill until 1982.
Best time to go
Spring is a good starting point for birdsong and woodland growth; the reserve is reported as rewarding year-round. Conditions and seasonal highlights can vary.
Spring is a strong choice for birdsong and fresh growth. For quieter conditions, consider a weekday; this is a general suggestion, not a verified visitor pattern.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Birdwatchers · Photographers
Practical information
Opening & access
A nature reserve with walking routes through a steep-sided valley. A source reports a small car park and wide paths; check current access and conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
A small car park is reported near the entrance; verify current availability and access before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
No on-site café is reported; bring refreshments and check nearby options before setting out.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check current reserve guidance and signage before visiting with a dog.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
A source describes a wide path and an easy walking trail, but the reserve is hilly and some paths may be uneven or muddy. Wheelchair or pushchair suitability is not verified; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Stream
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Knapp Copse Local Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances