Marsland Valley, Nature reserve on Devon-Cornwall border, England
Marsland Valley is a nature reserve on the Devon-Cornwall border with steep-sided valleys carved by streams, surrounded by woodland and open grassland. The landscape extends from inland heights down to coastal heaths that meet the Atlantic shoreline.
The reserve was transferred to local wildlife organizations in the 1980s and has since become one of the region's most valued protected areas. This transition from private ownership to public conservation shaped how it is managed and protected today.
The reserve forms part of two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: North Devon Coast and Hartland section of Cornwall.
The South West Coast Path runs through the reserve with marked trails open all year, though the steep valley sides require good fitness for some sections. Bring a detailed map and expect muddy ground after wet weather.
The valley hosts over 30 butterfly species, including rare types that thrive in large open clearings within the woodland. This diversity results from the mix of habitats ranging from coastal to inland areas.
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