New areas of woodland to open up to public

The agreement will allow public access to new areas of woodland

New land on Woodbury common in east Devon is to be opened up to walkers as part of an access exchange deal.

Public access to the land, made up of 3.4 hectares (8.4 acres) of wooded enclosures, will start next year, conservation body the Open Spaces Society (OSS) said.

The agreement means 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres) of industrial land at Blackhill quarry, currently listed as common land, will now be set aside to allow the building of a battery energy storage facility.

The deal follows talks between the owners, Clinton Devon Estates and the OSS.

Accessible land

Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the society, said: "We are delighted that Clinton Devon has agreed to grant a public right of access so that the parcels of replacement land can be enjoyed as part of the common.

"This is a fine example to other landowners of how they can expand public access."

John Varley, chief executive of Clinton Devon Estates, said: "The new common land is accessible, larger, and of far higher amenity value than the industrial land which is being deregistered.

"Moreover, this decision will enable development of new infrastructure which will enhance energy security in Devon and help support the energy transition."

Horse riders and cyclists will also have access to the exchange land on a permissive basis, the OSS added.