Life today can be hectic and unforgiving and every once in a while, we need to unplug our minds from our routines and devices and head into the natural world. Wildlife trips can be a lot more than just outdoor adventures. It can provide you with the quality time that you need to spend with your family and loved ones. A wildlife trip also brings you closer to Mother Nature, helps you learn and become more aware of your planet.
Devon is blessed with plenty of nature. All you need to do is pack your bags and head for some of the top places where you can watch wildlife in the real world. However, planning your wildlife trip is essential whether you are going solo or with your family and loved ones. You may also choose Naturetrek, who operate a variety of wildlife experiences in Devon, from day trips and river cruises to 5-day breaks, all guided by an expert naturalist.Here are 9 places in Devon where you can watch wildlife in its natural habitat.
Dartmoor National Park
One of the best places where you can enjoy watching wildlife in Devon is Dartmoor National Park. This is a family-friendly and weather-friendly destination that can provide you with a lot more than just wildlife-watching experiences. Both Dartmoor and Exmoor are ideal for nature lovers. However, of the two, Dartmoor National Park lies wholly in Devon. While you are here, you can see Dartmoor ponies, sheep, cattle, and otters. Apart from mammals, you can also spot various butterflies like fritillary butterflies and a range of insects, ranging from blue ground beetle to Heckford’s pygmy moth. Apart from watching wildlife, you can also explore various green spaces where you can hike solo or with your loved ones.
Berry Head National Nature Reserve
If you are looking for natural spaces that offer you spectacular ocean views apart from watching wildlife, you should head to Berry Head National Nature Reserve. Located on the southern half of Tor Bay, this important historical and wildlife location in Brixham offers a lot more value than you can imagine. While you are exploring the nature reserve, you can find many rare species of wildlife including horseshoe bats and guillemots. When you are done exploring the wildlife, you can explore the natural landscapes it has to offer along with recently restored Napoleonic fortifications. Berry Head National Nature Reserve is also a good place for those who love to spot coastal birds on their wildlife trip.
Exmoor National Park
While this park partially lies in Somerset it also falls in north Devon. Bundled with breathtaking landscapes, history and abundant wildlife, Exmoor National Park is as good as the Dartmoor National Park. As you explore the wildlife, you can also explore plenty of woodland, moorland, rivers, and coastal views. In terms of wildlife, you can come across red deer, Exmoor ponies, heath fritillary butterflies and even big-eared bats. If you are into nature photography, you can take great pictures of butterflies here. This is a perfect place for those who want to escape urban chaos and enjoy an immersive experience like no other. You can also look out for various walking trails that would help you explore nature and wildlife.
Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve
Not very far from the town of Dartmouth, Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve is one of the places where you can watch wildlife when you are in Devon. This 490-acre reserve can provide you with the best wildlife watching experience, especially if you are into bird watching. Slapton Ley is the largest freshwater lake in the southwest and home to a range of diverse wildlife. While you are walking through the reserve, you may come across various resident dormice and otters. If you let your ears be your guide, you can listen to the calls of smaller birds like Cetti’s warblers, reed warblers, chiffchaffs and willow warblers. You may also spot a selection of waterfowl and great crested grebes in the water.
Duryard and Belvidere Valley Park
If you are keen on enjoying wildlife in Devon, you can explore Duryard and Belvidere Valley Park which is one of the six valley parks in Exeter. This one offers the best views of Exeter and you can have a great time exploring the local flora and fauna. Blessed with rich meadows and woodland, this area is packed with diverse wildlife including birds. This would be a perfect space for those who want to explore a variety of plants and trees, which are an integral part of the valley. If you are looking for a picnic spot combined with wildlife-watching experiences, you can choose this park in Exeter.
Holyford Woods Local Nature Reserve
Located near the seaside town of Seaton, this woodland is a great place for those who want to explore nature and wildlife in Devon. In the spring months, you can explore the stunning bluebells that cover the woodland floor. Weasels and wood mice are resident animals here and are easy to spot. You can also find colonies of bats and various other birds around the nature reserve. As you walk and hike through the woodland, you will find plenty of ash, hazel and oak trees that make up most of the reserve.
Halsdon Nature Reserve
One of the best places to spot wildlife is Halsdon Nature Reserve. Located near the village of Dolton, Halsdon Nature Reserve offers a classic Devon countryside with meadows and woodland. Here you can spot the resident otters and other animals. Bird enthusiasts can spot various birds like warblers, kingfishers and sand martins. There are many marked trails in the reserve which allows you to explore the landscape without getting lost. However, make sure that you have the right hiking footwear to help you walk through muddy and uneven rocky paths.
Mincinglake Valley Park
Located in Exeter, Mincinglake Valley Park is a great spot for wildlife watching in Devon. Initially, a wasteland, this area has now been transformed into a protected wildlife spot with meadows and woodland that are home to diverse wildlife. This valley park also provides a great view of the Exe Estuary and you can find a variety of birds here as well. If you are into flowers and plants, you can walk through wildflower meadows and explore various hazel and oak trees. This valley park is also ideal for those who prefer some hilly walks and the tranquillity of nature.
Uppacott Wood
Located near Barnstaple, Uppacott Wood is one of the ancient woodlands that you should explore when you are looking for nature and wildlife walks. The reserve takes you through a path that passes through plenty of oak and ash trees. Here you can discover various mammals and birds that live here. You can also enjoy watching spring woodland flowers that add colour to this beautiful countryside reserve.
