Felix, the new Community Physical Activity Organiser for West Exeter, has been exploring the many diverse green spaces in the area.
As I am slowly getting to know the community, I’ll start off with reminding us of the incredibly diverse green spaces and waterways, which are such a prominent feature for people across St Thomas and Exwick. We all know how rejuvenating it feels to spend time being out and about in nature. It seems that moving around green spaces and open water has a naturally therapeutic effect on us. For many of us, it’s a chance to refocus and reconnect to ourselves and the environment around us.
When Exeter locals think of Exwick and St Thomas, they inevitably associate these areas with being right by the River Exe. While many of Exeter’s neighbourhoods spread far to the north and east of the city, Exwick and St Thomas are two of the areas known for their proximity to the river. Beautiful green spaces and paved footpaths lead all the way from the overflow canal in Exwick past the weir at Flowerpots in St Thomas and on to the Quay and beyond.
The starting point of the overflow in Exwick, also known as the flood canal, is marked by a lovely secluded green area with young trees. It’s a great spot for people seeking a quiet moment by the water. Further along, the canal is flanked by a kids' play area and the Exwick Playing Fields. While popular with dog walkers, this area is made up of a cricket pitch and a large field, often used for cricket and football games. Adjacent to the field is the Exwick Sports Pavilion, a large facility run by Exeter College, which includes tennis, football and rugby pitches as well as a 3G astroturf football pitch. Next to this is a large area of allotments with committed locals trying their hands at vegetable growing and gardening.
On the other side of the canal, a parallel concrete footpath and a forested area mark the divide between the river and the canal. With this being the quieter side of the waterway, it offers great options for casual dog walks, running or cycling.
Back on the other side, and following the bend of the canal, you find yourself in Flowerpots Park, with its large rugby fields, a half basketball pitch and a well-loved concrete skatepark. During the summer months there are activities ranging from football, rugby or cricket games to slacklining and frisbee sessions, as well as park runs and even the odd game of kayak football. The skatepark sees several annual events, with the BMX Cookie Jam being particularly popular for one weekend during the summer. The canal and river are great for trying paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing.
Away from the river, you come across Cowick Barton Playing Fields, St Thomas’ largest park. Here you’ll find several large fields suitable for football, three tennis pitches, a nice kids’ play area, a half basketball pitch and a bowling club. The park has regular yoga sessions and free tennis for all abilities.
Tucked away to the side of the park is Pinces Gardens, a small and beautifully maintained green area with lots of lovely trees, flowers and other plant life. Pinces Gardens is home to another bowling club, a croquet club and a cute little cafe. It’s probably one of the most idyllic places to go for a short walk.
Within walking distance and across Cowick Street you reach St Thomas Pleasure Ground. A lush green park with a great play area and a kids’ fountain pool, which gets busy on hot summer days. To the side of the park is a lovely community garden space, where locals meet, grow things and socialise together.
Back across the road is an old cemetery belonging to St Thomas Parish Church, which serves as a small park with benches and lots of shade from tall mature trees. Leaving Cowick Street and moving further up into higher St Thomas, you stumble across the triangular shaped Merrivale Park. Perched between houses, this green area has a MUGA, often used for football and basketball, a recently refurbished kids' play area and a large field used for football games and dog walks. It’s a nice spot of green in a largely residential area and the Friends of Merrivale Park are putting on a soap box race in August.
St Thomas’ undisputed wildlife gem is Barley Valley Nature Reserve, which is a hilly area offering supreme views over Exeter. This Devon Wildlife Trust site is great for walks and is part of the green circle walk around Exeter. A tiny stream runs through the middle of the valley and while exploring this beautiful area you may encounter some curious young cows during the summer months. Look out for the impressive ancient oak tree on a little forest path running alongside the top of the nature reserve.
Exwick’s possibly best kept green secret is Whitycombe Valley Park. Many locals are unaware of this beautiful wildlife patch, managed by Devon Wildlife Trust, which has amazing views over parts of the city and beyond. The area also has a small forest and locals have spotted foxes and deer in this secluded wildlife haven. It’s great if you’re looking for a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the incredible views from a bench at the top.
Back down Exwick Road there is a large old cemetery with a forest area towards the back of the site. Following a footpath (part of the green circle walk), running from Foxhayes Lane alongside the cemetery, you get to a small green area called the Exwick Cemetery Fields play area. It’s a nice little patch of green with a former children’s area, which used to have play equipment. It also has a half basketball pitch. A small group of locals have made attempts to bring this area back to life over the past years as it has lots of potential. Anyone interested in helping to breathe new life into the site is welcome to get in touch. From here you can take a walk into a lovely forest leading up the hill.
With so many beautiful areas all over Exwick and St.Thomas, it seems a perfect time to make the most of the summer months, enjoying and exploring the natural spaces right on our doorstep. It doesn’t matter how we choose to be active. It might be a casual stroll, a cycle ride or a hike, or maybe you like team sports or water activities. What counts most is that we enjoy ourselves and feel connected to our natural environment, while benefiting from the positive effects this has on our physical and mental wellbeing.
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