Fremington Local Nature Reserve

Fremington Local Nature Reserve comprises two
separate areas: Lovell’s Field and Leat Meadow.

Lovell’s Field is 4.1 Ha and was given to North Devon District Council following the development of the adjacent Taw Meadow Estate. It is a low-lying wet grassland, important for both wildlife and flood prevention. Kingfishers are regularly seen darting along the stream. The northern part of Lovell’s Field is fenced and grazed to help prevent the area becoming rank and overgrown and to help the less aggressive plant species to flourish. There is no public access to the grazed area, but access to the southern part of Lovell’s Field is from the rear of the village green

Leat Meadow was acquired by Fremington Parish Council in 1999 along with the adjacent recreational area, Griggs Field. The 3 Ha (7 acre) site is a mixture of woodland, coppice, scrub, wetland and grassland. 62 species of plant have been recorded growing here, and the site is important for the marbled white butterfly. Access to Leat Meadow is from the northern end of Griggs Field. Lovell’s Field can be reached on foot from the Tarka Trail by following the public footpath immediately west of Fremington Pill. For cyclists on the Trail, follow the access road from Fremington Quay and then turn right to the centre of Fremington.

Fremington and the Local Nature Reserve lie within North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve, designated by
UNESCO as a special place for people and wildlife. Fremington Environment Group carry out wildlife surveys and guided walks around the reserve. For further information contact: North Devon Biosphere arrange practical volunteer events on the reserve including tree planting, meadow management and
coppicing. 

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are all about
connecting people and wildlife. They are statu-
tory designations, looking after biodiversity and
giving people the opportunity to experience the
natural world on their doorstep. They are a shop
window for best practice, promoting ways in
which to help the wildlife on your own patch.
They are also an education resource for schools
and colleges, providing an outdoor classroom for
hands-on learning.