Lower Hoopern Valley
Lower Hoopern Valley is a steeply sided, 38-acre plot of land to the south of Streatham campus. The space is currently maintained by the University of Exeter’s Grounds team and has been identified as an area of opportunity for enhanced biodiversity, community use and research activity. The valley currently has one public right of way that cuts across the northern section of the space from the North West to South East with limited access to the wider space comprising areas of woodland (mature and young), pasture, open grassland and Taddiforde Brook.
Since our first public engagement period in May 2023, we have taken the feedback received and drafted a design that would see us meet our overall objectives for the Lower Hoopern Valley, which received significant support:
- Enhance biodiversity and natural capital,
- Community engagement and education,
- Natural sciences research opportunities, and,
- Carbon sequestration and storage.
An overview of the proposals can be found here.
Please click on the links to view feedback from the May 2023 and November 2023 consultation events.
In response to the consultations, and to make the site more easily accessible, we are planning to carry out some works on site in summer 2024. For information on where see Lower Hoopern Valley infrastructure changes summer 2024.
Works include:
- Adding surfacing to areas of the informal paths which become very muddy in winter. We are using gravel surfacing, and only at pinch points such as gateways in order to keep the natural feel of the site.
- Adding a fully accessible path close to Prince of Wales Road. On the flattest area of the site we are adding a fully accessible path with an accessible bench and noticeboard.
- A new bridge over the existing structure crossing the Taddiforde Brook. This will improve the path surface in this very muddy area and ensure site users are safe without disturbing the existing brick work or stream.
- Signage - we would like to welcome our community onto the site, but we also want to protect the wildlife and make sure people are kept safe. We will add signs with information on acceptable site use, and noticeboards which will have site maps and space for information to be added on seasonal wildlife interest and events.
Please help our contractors keep themselves and you safe when they are on site by:
- Using alternative routes during construction.
- Following any safety signs and instructions given by contractors.
