Intro to Holne Woods

Holne Woods is 165 acres and was given, anonymously, to the Trust in 1957. It is located to the west of Ashburton on the road to Two Bridges. Parking is in a layby immediately before Newbridge.

The property lies on the southern bank of the River Dart extending from the ‘honey pot’ of Newbridge to Holne Moor, some 1½ miles. The Two Moors Way – A National Trail, passes through part of the property.

The property is not extensively used, walkers having to go a considerable distance upstream from Newbridge before being able to cross the river and return and most visitors appear content to walk a short distance admiring the many rapids and cascades before returning to Newbridge. Indeed this stretch of the river probably contains some of the most dramatic cascades in the area and is very popular with photographers, particularly in the autumn when the Beech trees reflect their colours of orange and gold in the river. This stretch of the river is also important for salmon, sea trout, dipper and yellow and otter.

In the summer the river can be reduced to a trickle and becomes very popular with bathers, but when in spate in the winter is a serious challenge for canoeists.

The property forms part of one of the largest continuous stretches of ancient semi-natural western oak woodland in the area. It is also very important for its lichens and bryophyte communities. It is designated a Special Area of Conservation under the European Habitat Directive. The Trust's ownership extends to the islands at Bell Pool.

Management of the area is difficult due to the steepness of the slopes and the fact that, in one area a geological fault has led to landslips, which need constant monitoring and attention.
Again, partly due to the steep, unstable slopes large trees are frequently blown over, necessitating closure of the area until the hazard is cleared. Management of the area is also restricted by the presence of many charcoal hearths dating from the time when the woods were actively coppiced to produce charcoal.

The general management aim is to control the beech and sycamore re-growth and favour the oak. There are some magnificent Sweet Chestnuts and Hornbeams and the Trust will carry out any necessary surgery required to prolong the life of these trees. There is a positive policy to remove the invasive laurel and rhododendron.