Spring in bloom at Exeter’s newest park

Exeter’s newest public park is bursting into life this April, as spring sunshine and seasonal blooms transform the former golf course at Northbrook into a haven for both people and wildlife.

Northbrook Park, a 4.5-hectare site off Topsham Road, is now welcoming visitors to stroll through colourful wildflower meadows, newly planted hedgerows and a blossoming community orchard. Once a golf course, the land is now owned by Exeter City Council and managed by Devon Wildlife Trust.

The site has already undergone a nature-friendly transformation, with winding new paths, benches for peaceful rest stops and thousands of bulbs bringing colour to the green space. More than a dozen young fruit trees have also been planted, their vibrant spring blossoms already turning heads.

These fruit trees will one day form a community orchard, offering residents the chance to pick their own apples, pears and plums while enjoying the natural setting. The wider vision is to create a “wild arboretum” – a calm and diverse tree-filled sanctuary within the city.

As spring showers give way to sunshine, walkers and nature lovers are being encouraged to explore the new park and experience the seasonal sights for themselves.