Former Exeter golf course to become public greenspace

A wildflower meadow will also be created at Northbrook Park to "bring colour and wildlife to the space"

A former golf course in Exeter is being turned into a "tranquil greenspace for people and wildlife".

Exeter City Council said dozens of fruit trees had already been planted and it would become a community orchard in the future.

A wildflower meadow will also be created at Northbrook Park to "bring colour and wildlife to the space".

Ruth Williams, lead councillor for Place and City Management, said it would improve people's wellbeing.

Alongside the new orchard, there are plans to upgrade access and the footpath

She said: "It's to increase the biodiversity in the park, it's to improve the space for public use and it's to provide a community orchard.

"It was earmarked for development for houses, we were going to build lots of houses there, but the local community asked us to have a rethink on that one.

"We went out to public consultation in 2022, with the idea of actually turning it into a wildlife park, and 90% of the respondents supported that, so that's what we did - we listened to residents and we're on the path of converting a large green space into a wonderful amenity for visitors and Exeter residents to enjoy."

Ms Williams said the changes would cost £288,580 split over five years.

'Joy all year'

The space is owned by Exeter City Council, and managed by Devon Wildlife Trust.

Emily Cuff, nature recovery officer at Devon Wildlife Trust, said the overall vision was to create "a wild arboretum".

She said: "We think this space will be a valuable addition to our parks in Exeter and this creates a wonderful corridor between Ludwell and Riverside valley parks.

"We want people to come and enjoy this all year round and for it to bring joy all year round."

Councillor Josie Parkhouse, lead councillor for Climate and Ecological Crisis, said it needed to "increase biodiversity in the city".

"At one point this land was earmarked for housing but we listened to the community and the views of residents and this is the result - we have a beautiful piece of land that is only going to get better in the years ahead," she said.

Alongside the new orchard, upgrades to access and the footpath is also planned.