Introduction

Churchtown Farm Community Nature Reserve is an important place for both people and wildlife. The Reserve has a wide variety of different wildlife habitats, mostly hay meadows with arable fields, woodland, wetland, scrub, rocky shoreline, mudflats and an extensive network of hedgerows. There is also a rich history of quarrying, farming and maritime activities. From the reserve there are extensive views over the River Lyhner, the River Tamar and beyond to Devonport and Plymouth Sound. It’s location on the edge of Saltash makes it an ideal place for people to escape for a bit of peace and quiet. As a Nature Reserve in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty this site with it’s spectacular views will be protected for its resident wildlife and its visiting public.

Putting the Community in Nature Reserve

One of the most important things about this site is that local people are involved in deciding what happens here, and in getting things done. Through the Friends of Churchtown Farm Community Nature Reserve, local people are guiding the development of the site and contributing to practical tasks, guided walks, wildlife monitoring, wardening and all manner of other areas of the Reserves life.

Access

There is access over much of the reserve and particular walks and trails have been established and are described on the ‘Walks and Trails’ page. The challenges to the visitor vary depending on the route chosen, and there is a route accessible to wheelchair users. Using the map and following the signs on site, visitors are able to explore Churchtown Farm Community Nature Reserve with confidence. The following descriptions are given for the starts of the walks from the entrance behind St Stephens Church, however the two circular trails can be started from anywhere along their route. The walks described form a nature and heritage trail - around their lengths you will find panels and interactive features with information on the sites wildlife and heritage.

How to get there

Churchtown Farm Community Nature Reserve is located on the southern edge of Saltash.

On Foot or bicycle

Cornwall Wildlife Trust would like to discourage the use of cars by visitors to its’ Nature Reserves, and would encourage the use of public transport, bicycles and walking to Churchtown Farm Community Nature Reserve.

From Fore Street in the centre of town walk up to the mini-roundabout at the top and turn into St Stephens Road. Continue along St Stephens Road, bearing left opposite the school. At the end, go straight on along Hill Street passing the church and turn left towards the Cecil Arms. From here walk left up Farm Lane past the cemetary. The entrance to the reserve is at the end of this lane. At present there are no facilities designed for locking up bikes, although with a long lock lamp posts and telegraph poles can be used.

By Bus

Western National buses 1, 2 and 121 run a regular service from the town centre to St Stephens Road, stopping outside the public toilets opposite the Church. From here it is a short walk to the Cecil Arms Pub and up Farm Lane to the Reserve.

By Car/Coach

From Carkeel roundabout on the A38, follow Callington Road straight over the roundabout and straight on at the traffic lights. Then turn right at the mini roundabout by the fire station into Church Road, following signs to St Stephens. Follow Church Road past Saltash College and straight over the mini-roundabout. For the entrance to the Reserve behind St Stephens Church, which is where all the following directions start from, turn right at the T-junction to St Stephens Road. Please park in front of the Church (toilets here). Follow the road around to the Cecil Arms Pub and walk left up Farm Lane past the cemetary. The entrance to the Reserve is at the end of this lane.

Parking

Limited parking is available next to the reserve entrance here. Because of the limited space and restricted turning this parking is restricted to use only by those with mobility difficulties.

Click here to return to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust website

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