New Trails at Northam Burrows Country Park ensure visitors won't miss the highlights!

A series of three new trails have been unveiled at Northam Burrows Country Park as part of a scheme to help open up and showcase the park to visitors as well as educate them about the park's wildlife and history. Newly installed map boards highlight the routes which include green, blue, and red trails varying from 0.7 to 3.3 miles in length and each designated by way markers, incorporating information on local features and history. With conservation in mind the trails have also been designed to guide visitors around sensitive features, giving them a wider berth, which heavy footfall might otherwise damage or compromise, while still covering the best sites and views the park has to offer.

As part of the project 11 bridges have been installed by the park Rangers and volunteers with the help of Royal North Devon Golf Club, creating routes across the many ditches and boggier areas on the southern boundary of the park. These offer users a way to stay drier and mud free and improving access for those that previously struggled in these locations. it's also anticipated that the bridges will be used by the livestock on the burrows, improving the animal welfare for the horses, sheep and other grazing animals that roam freely in the park.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin Lead Member for Community, Culture and Leisure said:   

"The trails and bridges have been planned around our Ranger's favourite park walks and as a result will ensure that our visitors benefit from their knowledge and insights. The project has been funded by both Torridge District and Northam Town Councils and has been a great joint collaboration along with help from the Golf Club who were contracted to build the frames for the bridges. With different trails to suit all abilities, It's a great way for people to explore the park, and find out more about the local natural environment."

Westward Ho! Councillor and Northam Mayor Nick Laws said:

"The burrows, neighbouring dunes and beach are some of our greatest natural assets in the area and to open up more of their secrets with these new trails is fantastic to see. These are another great addition to the burrow's refurbishment programme, building on from the recent opening of the new visitor centre and café in 2021. The routes are easy to follow via the way markers and the bridges have been well placed to keep your feet dry during wetter times of the year. I look forward to seeing many more visitors and residents exploring the new trails for themselves."

For more information about the park visit www.torridge.gov.uk/northamburrows or call 01237 479708 or click to download the route map here  New Trails Map (PDF) [842KB]

25 August 2022