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South Hooe
South Hooe is a very special part of the Tamar Valley.
Located on the Bere Peninsula in the tidal reaches of the River Tamar near Weir Quay, this beautiful site in the heart of the estuary encompasses all of the National Landscapes special qualities – it is a rare valley and water landscape of high visual quality with artistic and public appeal, which also serves as a unique wildlife resource with a remarkable heritage.
The area has multiple ecological designations because of its important habitats and species.
Thanks to the vision and hard work of the landowner, a collaborative effort involving the Tamar Valley National Landscape and partners is restoring South Hooe.
This ambitious program of landscape and habitat improvements is benefiting wildlife in both the intertidal areas and the broader farm.
The South Hooe Restoring and Enhancing Watery Landscapes project (2019-2024), funded by the National Grid’s Landscape Enhancement Initiative, has achieved the following:
- Created new mixed deciduous woodland (1.43ha – 1100 trees) and hedgerows (720m – 3325 trees and shrubs), including a green lane.
- Regenerated 840m of hedgerows through sensitive management, allowing woody species to develop canopy cover and establish standard trees.
- Reintroduced historical field boundaries and repaired 11.75m of existing stone-faced Devon hedge banks using traditional technique.
To combat the impact of Ash Dieback Disease, the project planted a variety of species supplied through the Woodland Trust MOREhedges and MOREwoods schemes, including Oak, Crab apple, Rowan, Wild cherry, Dog rose, Elder, Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Spindle, Blackthorn, and Field Maple.
This project was delivered with the support of local contractors and volunteers from the Tamar Community Trust and Tavistock Taskforce, without whom this work couldn’t have been done.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon of hedge planting at South Hooe. It really lifted my spirits to be able to get active and enjoy the outdoors with a friendly group of people. South Hooe is such a beautiful place – it was satisfying to be part of the effort to improve the habitats there. I look forward to revisiting again to see how everything has established.”
Tamar Community Trust Volunteer
Additional work since 2021 by the landowner, the Environment Agency, Natural England, Plantlife and others includes:
- Recreating 19 hectares of intertidal habitat.
- Creating freshwater wetland within a re-aligned flood-bank and installing bird hides.
- Establishing species-rich and tussocky grassland for barn owls.
- Planting a new 1ha orchard with walnut, cobnut, sweet chestnut, and almond trees.
- Establishing additional woodland and parkland planting of fruit trees in pasture.
- Providing nest sites for birds historically associated with farm buildings.
The positive effects are already evident, with wildlife returning in greater numbers, including large gatherings of avocet, lapwing, and teal.
Supporting the landowner at South Hooe has been a privilege, helping to realise the long-term vision for this wonderful place and its benefits for people and wildlife.
Monthly Walks
Recognising the value of spending time outdoors, South Hooe is now open to the public once a month
On the 1st Saturday a permissive pathway is open to enable you to explore this fabulous area where nature is being allowed to thrive.
Please respect that the site is private, and only open with the permission of the owners at these times.
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