Silver Wood

Silver Wood is located on the edge of the village of Kentisbeare. It is a popular and successful part of the 'Woods on Your Doorstep' (WOYD) community woodland creation project and was planted in early 1999 with mixed native broadleaves species.

Formerly a grazed water meadow of improved grassland the area is now slowly developing characteristics of wet woodland. The River Ken meanders through the site which also features wide rides and open ground. The wood is within the Devon Redlands National Character Area with soils derived from red Permo-Triassic sandstone. It is in a lowland area which is characterised by a rolling mixed farming landscape of villages farmsteads and prominent hedgerows with a scattering of towns and villages and the scarp of the Blackdown Hills rising to the east.

Typical flood plains in the area have little tree cover so this was reflected in the design of the wood with little tree planting on the banks of the River Ken leaving it un-shaded. The local community were involved in the woodland from its inception helping to choose its name and design participated in the initial tree planting and chose a short surfaced track and seating area close to the eastern entrance as a feature to mark the Millennium. The wood is used by local walkers both for short walks and as part of a longer circular route linking in with access across surrounding land.