Rockbeare
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
5.41 ha (13.37 acres)
Grid reference:
SY034953
Map reference:
Explorer 115
OS Landranger 192
Lying east of Exeter and tucked down a quiet country lane, Percy Wakley Wood is a secluded rural woodland, within a mile of the villages of Rockbeare, Strete Ralegh and Marsh Green.
The wood is rurally located, just off the old A30 (now a minor road) and east of the village of Rockbeare.
Take the A30 and exit onto London Road, turning left onto Gribble Lane. The wood is along Rewe Lane to the left.
The nearest train station is at Whimple, about 3.2km (2 miles) away.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The nearest bus stop is at Rockbeare School, about 1.6km (1 mile) away.
Visit Traveline for more information.
The wood is easily accessed from Rockbeare.
Public access is directly off Rewe Lane which runs along the southern boundary. Please take care as this is a country lane with no pavements. A second entrance in the southeast corner has a squeeze stile.
There is space to park two cars in the car park at the south west corner of the wood.
There are no toilets on site.
Percy Wakley Wood is a peaceful wildlife haven, tucked down a quiet country lane.
From spring onwards, look out for the many butterflies that flutter along the hedgerows and around the long grasses that thrive in the open areas and rides.
Look out for:
Keep an eye out for species including ash, willow, oak, blackthorn, sycamore, hawthorn, field maple and hazel, and take in the heady scent of honeysuckle.
Cast your eyes to the ground to see ivy, ferns, rushes, sedges and nettles.
You may even spot common spotted-orchid, enchanter's nightshade, wood woundwort, red campion and herb robert.
Look out for:
The site is composed of two core areas of deciduous woodland, with a narrow corridor and spring-fed pond between them.
Explore:
This woodland was generously left to the Woodland Trust by the late Mr Percy J Wakley and now bears his name.
Once upon a time it was the site of a former quarry dating back to 1844, that has since been filled in. In 1993 and 1994, the site was planted with native broadleaved trees and a variety of shrubs.
A walk in this wood is generally easy going – there is a level, unsurfaced path that runs around the wood and wide grassy rides. Remember your boots when you visit as muddy spots do pop up!
Visiting woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
Taking a walk in the woods is the easiest way to enjoy the outdoors and get closer to nature.
