We discovered this place as there is a geocaching trail here. Its an undiscovered gem with many... read more
We discovered this place as there is a geocaching trail here. Its an undiscovered gem with many... read more
A great nature reserve to loose a few hours, a good variety of habitats, water birds, woodland... read more
On a damp afternoon at the beginning of October we were looking for inspiration for somewhere new to go on a family walk with the dog. Discovered this place after googling the Tarka Trail cycle path. We read up on it’s history and it clearly once had money thrown at it, but now sadly feels unloved and neglected. Plenty of water wildlife on the lake which is great and we did have a good wander round for an hour or so, but I’m sure there’s lots of potential here to make a super family wildlife/outdoor attraction. If you visit in the Autumn there’s plenty of hard paths to follow, but to complete the loop involves a fair bit of mud, so good waterproof footwear a must!
My second visit was this week with my grandson on his bike and my Jack Russell. Must have walked 4 or 5 miles in search of the lakes but I am confident we will get to them next visit. It is a beautiful and peaceful place. I especially like the natural flora and fauna which is indiginous, I believe, to the area. So much nicer than other forests managed by WLT around here which are almost all conifers - very dark and menacing. Some lovely wild flowers, although not as many as I was expecting. My grandson saw two rabbits and the JR's ears pricked up several times, so the wildlife is there somewhere. Absolutely reasonable that dogs are kept on leads. My car was the only one in the car park and we didn't see another person on our walk. The shed selling ice creams and drinks incredibly had an honesty box! Oh how I hope this place doesn't change. It's heaven in Devon. Almost don't want to post this review. Want to keep it my little secret. Will post again when I finally find those lakes.
I'd heard of Meeth and wanted to see it for myself. It's a flooded disused quarry with surrounding woodland, scrub and open areas. Good as it is, particularly for wild flowers, Odonata and some local butterflies, I was left shade disappointed. The "industrial archaeology" can't be avoided but the reserve is compartmentalised by extensive new fencing and gates (which must have cost a fortune) which detract enormously from a perception of wildness. A very small proportion may be necessary for water-safety but by no means all. What looks like it might be the best bit is a "no dog area". Given that it's a requirement that dogs be on leads elsewhere in the reserve I don't see what harm a dog on a lead could do to ground-nesting birds or hares in the fenced-off bit. It seems well over the top and unnecessarily bureaucratic. Scrub seems to be encroaching the open areas rather and I noticed that a huge quantity of clay spoil had recently been dumped on a good-looking open area with butterfly foodplants, obliterating a large area of it. Rather careless, DWT.
Lovely hidden gem near Hatherleigh, Devon. Walked around the site, and sat by one of the lakes, watching water fowl.
Made use of the new hide, but the path leading to it, is not yet finished and so you need wellies or stout boots, as it's VERY muddy!
It'll be wonderful in spring with wild flowers and butterflies, so I'll definitely going back very soon.
Word of mouth took us to Meeth Quarry on a rather changeable Sunday afternoon. Not really well advertised, we didn't know what to expect and after finding the road to the car park & were a little apprehensive when there were only 2 other cars parked up.
We set out on the path, within minutes butterfly's, frogs, spiders, dragonfly's, bird song everywhere. We followed the path to the lake furthest away and just enjoyed the peace and quiet. We followed a path through the woodland back to the other lake, all such stunning scenery, something new at every turn. We saw a couple of other people but mostly we were able to explore and discover by ourselves.
There is certainly lots to see at Meeth Quarry and we are looking forward to going back to see some of the things we might have missed this time. I would Love this place to stay as a well hidden secret but on the other hand I think everyone needs and deserves a visit to Meeth Quarry!
A lovely area that is well hidden and peaceful. Great place to walk the dog with stunning scenery and plenty of wildlife.