In partnership with the Exeter Student Volunteers Environmental Project, we hosted our first Valley Scavenger Hunt, bringing students, residents, and families together to explore Hoopern Valley. Participants followed a trail of hidden clues scattered across the valley, solving riddles and uncovering facts about the area’s wildlife along the way.

The family scavenger hunt was a particular highlight and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the space and discovering new corners of the valley.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, helped hide clues, and kept the spirit of curiosity alive. Events like this remind us how much community and creativity can bring Hoopern Valley to life.

Head to our Instagram to see some photos!

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, two entomologists from Exeter University took us on a walk in the lower Hoopern valley. Across the two hour walk, we discussed the insects and we found, and also learned some interesting facts about the yellow legged Asian hornet.  

On Tuesday 6 May, over 150 members of our local community gathered to celebrate the newly enhanced valley at an event marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Lord Mayor of Exeter and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter.

Visitors enjoyed guided walks, nature-themed activities and the chance to see the new features up close, including enhanced hedgerows, leaky woody dams supporting the Taddiforde Brook, and expanded habitats for wildlife such as the brown hairstreak butterfly. The event marked the new biodiversity enhancements across Lower Hoopern Valley and celebrated the ongoing collaboration between the University, local residents, and community partners.

We were thrilled to receive thanks from the Vice-Chancellor and the Lord Mayor of Exeter for our efforts in engaging the community and helping to ensure the valley remains a valuable space for both people and nature.

Read more on the University of Exeter News site →

Our first event was a huge success with around 30 people joining, including students, residents (~ 7 yr to > 70 yr), the City Councillors from the Duryard and St James ward, and one four legged friend! We spent 2 hours collecting piles of rubbish and recycling, all sorted and appropriately removed. The ECC kindly loaned us litter pickers and gloves.

The event ended with a very nice social including baked goods donated by local residents and Chococo. A good time was had by all!

If you're on the fence about joining us for a future litter pick, consider that litter picking can benefit one's mental health.

Our first AGM went extremely well and we continue to get really positive feedback from the community. Nicola Corrigan (Head of Sustainability Programmes) outlined the Nature Positive Strategy and sustainability efforts at the University, while David Evans (Head of Grounds) discussed what’s been done in the valley and what’s coming. We had 40 people, including local residents, students, and councillors from both the St David's, and St James and Duryard wards.

Please note, the University's Grounds Team is working with the Environment Agency and University of Exeter researchers to improve the Taddiforde Brook. These efforts may cause some disruptions and there will be machinery on site. The purpose of this work is to:

• ‘slow the flow’ – reduce the amount of water running off from the site

• Help water quality – by trapping sediment and any pollution.

• Help nature – making sure that water courses are connected – removing obstacles that wildlife can’t get through, like solid weirs

• Providing lots of different wildlife habitats – ponds, wet grassland areas

Nicola and David's slide deck includes more details about this effort as well as the University's Nature Positive Strategy and other related efforts.

You can also view our slides here.