Nature in North Devon

Sometimes the very best adventures happen in the great outdoors, while North Devon is a great location for anyone who wants hair raising thrills, it is also the ideal place to go for a more rustic and rural adventure too. The region has an abundance of wildlife thanks to its ecologically diverse areas and thanks to the AONB and the Biosphere, these are interesting and picturesque to explore too. Not only that, but many of the organisations running nature-based excursions take advantage of the landscape, so you can enjoy a horse back ride across the National Park or wild swimming just off the coast or even a spot of rock climbing! If that all sounds a bit much, don’t worry, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the region via the many cycle trails and footpaths, like the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail among others.

Beautiful beaches

If you’re visiting North Devon you can’t miss the stunning beaches. Much of the coastline is covered by the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers plenty of opportunity to really appreciate the nature that is abundant in this part of Devon. From the gorgeous sea views, the sunsets that reflect on the ocean and the chances to get out into the water and enjoy the surf, the coastal areas are an great place to start for anyone wanting to explore the nature of North Devon.

This region is a haven for those that are into watersports, the water conditions in places like Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe and Putsborough are perfect for surfing and paddle boarding and you’ll find organisations up and down the coast offering everything from boat trips to snorkelling sessions, lessons and guided tours – whatever you want to do, you’ll get a chance to here! Want something a little more gentle? That’s fine too, why not catch the ferry from Bideford or Ilfracombe and take a trip over to Lundy Island? Or book a pleasure cruise around one of the harbours?

North Devon’s wild side

As you might imagine from somewhere with such an abundance of protected natural space, North Devon is teeming with wildlife. Head to the Exmoor National Park to catch sight of the famous wild ponies amongst other rare creatures, birds and fauna. The park is a great place to visit for those that like bird watching and wildlife spotting, as well as those who want to challenge themselves on the terrain.

If birdwatching is a hobby of yours, then you need to visit Lundy Island where you can find Devon’s puffin population. The island is also home to a number of other seafaring birds including guillemots and razorbills and as it is a protected marine space, you’re also likely to see seals and dolphins at various points during the year.

Rural retreats

While a big draw to North Devon is the coastline, the region also has a huge amount of green space, much of which is protected either as part of the AONB or as a sites of scientific interest. Follow nature trails as a way to explore the region’s towns and villages or lose yourself in the wilderness by wild camping on Exmoor or find out more about the world above by joining in with the annual Dark Skies Festival.

Wherever you choose in North Devon for your adventure, you’ll be sure to find wonder in the natural world around you.