Half Moon field

Half Moon Field sits just outside South Brent and is one of those places that rewards a proper wander - no visitor centre, no car park, just a Devon nature reserve that's got on with being itself for years. It's a modest patch of grassland and woodland, the sort of spot where you'll actually notice things because there's nothing else demanding your attention.

Wildflowers do well here, particularly in late spring and early summer. The reserve attracts a decent range of birds and insects, which makes it worthwhile for anyone with binoculars and patience. Families with young kids might find it a bit quiet after half an hour unless they're the type to genuinely hunt for things in long grass - there's no playground or amenities to speak of.

For walkers combining visits with a nearby stay at Ashbourne Woods, this works as a morning sortie rather than a full afternoon. You're looking at an hour maximum to get a proper feel for it. Free access, obviously, and it doesn't have the crowds you'll find at bigger Devon reserves. The real appeal is if you're serious about spotting local wildlife or you simply want a tranquil break without the infrastructure theatre of busier nature reserves. Go when the light's good and you'll see why locals rate it - but don't expect much beyond quiet countryside and the occasional bird call.