Buckland Abbey's estate
Discover Buckland's ancient woodland on one of three colour coded routes. With abundant wildlife and far reaching views, it's a peaceful and fascinating place to enjoy.
Estate routes closure
Please note that due to significant damage caused by Storm Darragh, the blue route is currently closed for safety. Thank you for your understanding.
Buckland Abbey's ancient woodland
Buckland's woodland has a long and important history. For centuries, the Cistercian monks who lived here were responsible for managing it, and today the Rangers and volunteers follow in their footsteps, working hard to protect and care for the land around the Abbey.
Exploring the woods, you'll spot evidence of historic paths such as Cot Lane, which was the monks' main access route from the Abbey to the river. Features such as the carp pond are lasting reminders of how the estate was once managed, and sheep and cattle grazing the fields echo the estate's agricultural past.
In the woodland you'll see evidence of tree felling, where softwood trees have been cleared to make way for the regeneration of broadleaf varieties and native wildflowers. You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of deer, kingfishers or one of the many other species that have made their home in this special place.
To discover more about Buckland Abbey's ambition to plant over 30,000 trees as part of the Community Forest Project, take a look at the article link below.
Walking on Buckland Abbey's estate
The Natural Play Area
The play area at the start of the red walk on Buckland's estate is a fantastic place for children to explore and let off steam.
Complete with stepping stones, balance beams, climbing logs and more, all of the timber used in creating the playground was reclaimed from fallen trees on the estate, and crafted by Ranger staff and volunteers.
Making the most of your visit
There are several great picnic spots around the estate. Why not pause on one of the benches and soak up the peace and tranquillity of the place, or visit the Higher Paddock play area before heading into the woods?
Dogs are welcome on all of the estate walks. We ask that they are kept on leads at all times due to livestock grazing and sensitive wildlife habitats in the woodlands.
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Climate Action at Buckland Abbey
Climate change is on everyone's mind. Whether it's the prolonged hotter weather having an effect on our gardens, or microplastics in our food, it's a challenge that we are all facing. We can all play a part in reducing carbon emissions and adapting to the changes we're seeing - read on to find out more about our work here at Buckland Abbey and discover tips to try at home.
Visiting Buckland Abbey with your dog
Buckland Abbey is a two pawprint rated place. There are plenty of dog-friendly walks through the woodland and countryside to explore and dogs are welcome to relax in the Ox Yard Café.
Buckland Abbey's gardens
From beautiful blooms to bountiful harvests, the gardens at Buckland Abbey are full of colour and seasonal interest. Soak up the history of this special place as you admire the planting, or simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity as you sit a while on one of the benches.
The Community Forest Project at Buckland Abbey
Over the next 2 years (April 2024-6), we are delighted to be working in partnership with Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, and with grant funding from Defra’s Trees for Climate fund we’ll create, restore and connect around 50 hectares (ha) of new priority habitat – that’s about the same area as 128 football fields. This will include a combination of lowland mixed deciduous woodland, traditional orchard, wood pasture and parkland and hedgerows.