Future of Valley Parks assured as wildlife trust take over their management
Published: 28 June 2019
The future of the city’s green lungs – Exeter’s Valley Parks – has been assured.
In a partnership that safeguards the Parks for years to come, the City Council has passed over the everyday management of the six green spaces to the charity, Devon Wildlife Trust. The Parks are:
- Mincinglake Valley Park
- Ludwell Valley Park
- Riverside Valley Park
- Barley Valley Park
- Whitycombe Valley Park
- Duryard & Belvidere Valley Park
The partnership will improve the management of the Parks for wildlife and improve and increase public access, so that more people can enjoy these beautiful spaces.
As owners of the Valley Parks, the City Council is keen to provide more and more green spaces across the city.
In fact in the last 18 months the Council has increased the size of its green spaces by buying up 13 acres of privately owned land within the Valley Parks for people to enjoy.
The valley parks are a great place to unwind, take in nature, walk, jog, cycle or just chill out and enjoy the views.
Getting out in countryside has been proven to benefit mental health and the City Council is leading the way in social prescribing.
Cllr David Harvey, Lead Councillor for Environment and City Management, said: “People living in Exeter really value their green spaces and for that reason, we’re delighted that Devon Wildlife Trust have come on-board.
“With over 50 years of experience in managing some of Devon’s most precious and beautiful green spaces, I have no doubt that they will not only look after our Valley Parks but enhance them for everyone to enjoy.”
Harry Barton, Chief Executive for Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re really excited by this opportunity. Exeter has wonderful and surprisingly varied green spaces, stretching along the stunning river Exe valley and covering several of the surrounding hills. We want to make sure every Valley Park is one of Devon’s top places to see wildlife in all its beauty and colour, and that the Parks are a source of pride for every resident of our great city.”
