Wildlife and Nature

If you're visiting East Devon to immerse yourself in the incredible nature and breathtaking views, Budleigh Salterton is the perfect place to stay. This charming town lies entirely within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering a captivating setting surrounded by nature's wonders. No matter which direction you turn, you'll be greeted by the splendour of Mother Nature's charm.

Budleigh Salterton's Beavers

As well as being home to their namesake, the otter, the River Otter through Budleigh Salterton is also home to a colony of beavers. 

After some mystery beavers appeared on the River Otter a number of years ago, Budleigh Salterton was chosen as a location for a conservation initiative to reintroduce them to the region. Beavers were initially hunted to extinction in England, with their meat and scent being in high demand. Since then, the beaver colony have been living and thriving along the River Otter. 

Beaver facts

• Vegetarian members of the rodent family
• Beavers can grow up to 30 kilos in weight
• Beavers are most famous for creating dams in streams
• Their scent is popular in the creation of perfumes
• They are mostly nocturnal but if you're quiet you might spot them in the early evening during the summer time. 

Walking and hiking routes in Budleigh Salterton

For those seeking adventurous hikes and stunning vistas, the iconic South West Coast Path awaits. Embark on this renowned trail and be rewarded with incredible cliff-top views that will leave you awe-inspired. Alternatively, indulge in a leisurely stroll along the River Otter, where you can spot the local wildlife. Keep an eye out for the town's namesake residents—the otters—and the unique beavers that have made Budleigh Salterton home. These beavers are the first to live wild in the UK since Elizabethan times, making them a fascinating sight to behold.

Budleigh Salterton is even home to a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its exceptional salt marsh habitat. The town's name originates from its connection to the River Otter Estuary and Otterton Point, where this fine salt marsh habitat flourishes. These ecosystems support a diverse array of bird species, ensuring year-round interest for birdwatchers. From various gull species to kingfishers, egrets, and herons, the marshes are teeming with avian life. In fact, over 120 species of birds have been recorded in this area, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts.

LORP

The Lower Otter Restoration Project is a scheme to see the Lower Otter Valley in Budleigh Salterton become a nationally important wildlife area.

The project is looking at how to tackle climate change, while also becoming an important site for local wildlife. It is one of two schemes under the Promoting Adaptation to Changing Coasts project, which will work to realign the shoreline throughout 2023.

Find out more here.

Immerse yourself in Budleigh Salterton's extraordinary natural surroundings and witness the beauty and biodiversity that thrive within this captivating coastal town.