The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Once an ancient coaching inn, this sophisticated, luxury hotel retains its historic charm whilst…

The Barnstaple Hotel

Discover the Barnstaple Hotel - everything you need to work, rest and play in the lap of…

The Queens Theatre

The best live entertainment in North Devon. The Queen’s Theatre in the heart of Barnstaple.…

Biosphere in North Devon

The North Devon Biosphere Reserve is one of 669 Biosphere Reserves around the world and was the first to be established in the UK, where it is now one of six.

Where to find it

The North Devon Biosphere Reserve is located in one of the prettiest areas of North Devon. Centred around the ecologically rich landscape of Braunton Burrows with its incredible sand dunes and diverse scenery. The area of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve is some 3,300 km2, extending from the catchments of the Rivers Taw and Torridge and reaching out past Lundy Island, which is itself, a marine conservation area.

There are lots of ways to explore and connect with the North Devon Biosphere – on foot, by bike, via easy access routes and even with audio guided trails. From the large open areas of Culm Grassland at Heddon Green to the Marine Conservation Zone at Lundy Island, the North Devon Biosphere Reserve exhibits a wide range of diverse natural beauty for you to explore.

There are footpaths throughout the area including the South West Coast Path meaning there are plenty of ways for you to access the region.

Find out more…

The reserve is primarily made up of farmland which has been recognised by UNESCO because of its diverse mix of stunning, high-quality natural areas. The reserve includes over 60 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), all of which are protected. These include culm grassland and broadleaved woodlands. It was one of the first of the modern style of biospheres monitored by UNESCO and aims to work with the people living in the area to enable them to help with the conservation of the area.

Throughout the year, the North Devon Biosphere team run a number of projects to promote conservation and caretaking of the local environment. The projects range from focusing on cultural heritage, encouraging local learning, researching initiatives and supporting sustainable development opportunities.

Braunton Burrows is at the core of the Biosphere. As well as being the largest sand dune system in England, the dunes are home to a large number of rare plants and animals and is managed by a private estate, who play a vital role in the conservation efforts of the area.

Some of the plants and animals that can be found in the biosphere include skylarks, otters, dormice, coral reefs, rough poppies and a selection of rare flora. The region is also one of the only places in the UK where you can find coral reefs, which are just off of Lundy Island.

You can find out more about their various activities and more information about the Biosphere by visiting their website, www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 85 review(s)
Lord Fortescues Restaurant

Barnstaple

Their mouth watering menus are complemented by personal attentive service and the impressive surroundings. The Lord Fortescue, and every lunch time, as well as Saturday and…
Royal & Fortescue Coffee House

Barnstaple

Set right by the lounges of the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, their Coffee House is a delightful place to take some precious time out to relax. Be tempted by the array of cup…
My Favourite Cottages

Barnstaple

My Favourite Cottages is a holiday home letting agency based in North Devon. The small, friendly agency specialises in offering quality self-catering properties, including…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 125 review(s)
Love North Devon

Brayford, Barnstaple

An idyllic 53 acre Organic estate in the heart of the North Devon countryside providing self catering holidays in an amazing setting for Families of all sizes, Larger…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 803 review(s)
62 The Bank and Bar 62

Barnstaple

62 The Bank and Bar 62 are passionate about delivering friendly, honest and efficient service, with a vibrant atmosphere, in unique surroundings, and a menu that offers…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2609 review(s)
Dining at The Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

At the 4 Star Imperial Hotel, you can choose where you dine. Take your pick from the Arlington Restaurants, a fine dining experience with outstanding cuisine in elegant and…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 64 review(s)
The Arlington Restaurant - Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

The Arlington Restaurant in Barnstaple has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in North Devon. You can choose from the table d'hote menu, which is changed daily or…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1008 review(s)
The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Barnstaple

Once an ancient coaching inn, this sophisticated, luxury hotel retains its historic charm whilst offering all the modern comforts you’d expect. Located in the centre of…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2102 review(s)
Health & Leisure at The Barnstaple Hotel

Barnstaple

When you stay at the Barnstaple Hotel, you have complimentary use of our wonderful leisure club, which has been extensively refurbished over recent years and now boasts the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 27 review(s)
Seasons Brasserie, Park Hotel

Barnstaple

Choose between fine dining in their Seasons Brasserie restaurant, more relaxed dining in their stunning Seasons Bar or go al fresco with views overlooking Rock Park. Seasons…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1009 review(s)
Dining at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Barnstaple

At the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, you have the choice between elegant dining in the Lord Fortescue Restaurant or the bistro, 62 The Bank.
The Lord Fortescue offers first class…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2097 review(s)
The Barnstaple Hotel

Barnstaple

Discover the Barnstaple Hotel - everything you need to work, rest and play in the lap of luxury!
Part of the Brend group of hotels, The Barnstaple Hotel is a luxurious…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2609 review(s)
The Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple is a flagship of Brend Hotels, the leader in West Country luxury hotels. It is perfectly placed to enable you to visit the beautiful…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 99 review(s)
Barnstaple Hotel Brasserie

Barnstaple

With its contemporary styling and light, airy feel, their Brasserie has an atmosphere that is all its own. This is the perfect setting in which to sit back and enjoy the fine…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1426 review(s)
Dining at The Park

Barnstaple

Enjoy mouth-watering fine dining in Barnstaple, awarded four stars, the team are very proud to offer our guests great dining in amazing surroundings. You have the choice…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1426 review(s)
The Park Hotel

Barnstaple

Following a multi-million-pound redevelopment, The Park, part of the Brent Hotels group, is North Devon’s exciting hub for visitors and locals alike. The glamourous…
The Queens Theatre

Barnstaple

The best live entertainment.
Bampfield Farm Cottages

Barnstaple

Bampfield Farm Cottages are where holiday memories are made, set in acres of rolling hills on a working family farm, this is the perfect base for your holiday.
Bampfield Farm…
Station Masters Cafe

Station Road, Barnstaple

Our Award winning Café is situated adjacent to Barnstaple Railway Station, in the old Station Masters House which was designed by the Famous Architect Sir William Tite, who…
Corffe House & Holiday Cottages

Barnstaple

Corffe House and Cottages
Nestled in the beautiful North Devon countryside the Corffe Estate provides the ideal base for family holidays, short breaks and work…