In early 2021, The Dixon Foundation made one of its first grants to Devon Wildlife Trust, to update Mincinglake Valley Park’s public infrastructure to provide easier access for all visitors.

Mincinglake Valley Park in Exeter had seen a greater number of people visiting due to the Covid pandemic. Whilst it was fantastic that more people were seeking to connect with nature on their doorstep, it also increased pressure on the park’s access facilities which urgently needed upgrading in order to support the increased footfall and encourage people to keep visiting the sites year-round. 

 

The Dixon Foundation’s grant unlocked funding from Viridor Credits to enable a range of improvements to public access and information features at the site, including:

– Repairs to 135 metres of paths and replacing some steps with ramps to benefit visitors using wheels (mobility scooters, pushchairs, bikes etc.);

– The removal of some gates and stiles at key access points; and

– New way-finder posts and community noticeboards for visitors to learn about the site’s history, wildlife and conservation methods.

As well as the work at Mincinglake Valley Parks, Devon Wildlife Trust continues to enhance habitats for wildlife and public access at all six of the Valley Parks, as well as on its 52 nature reserves around Devon. This is complemented by education activities with local schools and community groups undertaking major conservation projects like Saving Devon’s Treescapes. 

 

About Devon Wildlife Trust
The Devon Wildlife Trust is a member of The Wildlife Trusts partnership covering the county of Devon, England. A registered charity established in 1962 by a small group of volunteers, Devon Wildlife Trust is the only charity that exists to protect all wildlife in Devon and to safeguard Devon’s unique natural environment.