Discover South Devon’s Nature & Wildlife

With its rolling hills, ancient woodlands, estuaries, and dramatic coastlines, South Devon is one of the UK’s most biodiverse and picturesque regions. From rare birds soaring over tidal estuaries to wildflower-strewn meadows and hidden coves alive with rockpool creatures, this corner of the West Country is a haven for nature lovers, walkers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you're exploring the wild beauty of Dartmoor, strolling beside river valleys, or watching seals bask on a rocky shore, South Devon's natural world promises unforgettable experiences in every season.

Wild Landscapes Waiting to Be Explored

South Devon’s varied landscapes create rich and diverse habitats that support a wide range of species. The area is home to several protected nature reserves, National Landscapes, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Dartmoor National Park

Spanning over 950 square kilometres, Dartmoor touches South Devon. Here, you’ll find windswept tors, ancient oak forests, moss-covered granite outcrops, and fast-flowing rivers. It’s a landscape shaped by both nature and human history, home to wild ponies, red deer, and rare bird species such as the ring ouzel and merlin. Dartmoor’s vastness offers space for hiking, cycling, and simply soaking in the wilderness.

South Devon National Landscapes

The South Devon National Landscape stretches along the coast between Plymouth and Torbay, encompassing rolling farmland, estuaries, cliffs, and sandy beaches. This designated landscape supports everything from puffins and peregrine falcons to orchids and butterflies. Coastal walks along the South West Coast Path offer the chance to see seals, dolphins, and seabirds while enjoying breathtaking views of the English Channel.

Estuaries, Rivers & Wetlands

South Devon’s river systems, such as the River Dart, River Teign, and River Erme, form vital wetland habitats. These estuaries support internationally significant bird populations and host species like curlew, egret, and the elusive otter. Visit nature-rich spots like:

  • Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve – a key site for migrating birds and dune flora.

  • Slapton Ley – a freshwater lagoon teeming with birdlife, including bittern and Cetti’s warbler.

  • South Efford Marsh and Bowcombe Creek – estuarine sites with bird hides and tidal wetlands ideal for peaceful nature watching.

 

Wildlife by the Coast

The South Devon coastline is alive with wildlife year-round. Rocky shores and sandy bays are home to:

  • Seals seen hauled out on secluded rocks or bobbing in the surf.

  • Dolphins and porpoises, especially off Start Bay and around Berry Head.

  • Crabs, anemones, and starfish in the tidal rockpools of Hope Cove, Bantham, and Wembury.

Take a boat trip from Brixham, Dartmouth or Teignmouth to experience the rich marine life offshore, or simply bring binoculars for a coastal cliff walk where kestrels and fulmars soar above dramatic sea stacks.

Flora & Fauna Across the Seasons

Spring brings carpets of bluebells to woodland floors and the return of migrant birds. Summer meadows burst with colour and buzz with butterflies. In autumn, estuaries fill with waders and wildfowl, while Dartmoor glows golden under crisp skies. Even winter offers quiet, frost-dusted walks and dramatic wildlife spectacles like massive starling murmurations.

Walking, Birdwatching & Nature Trails

South Devon is a walker’s paradise, with hundreds of miles of footpaths, bridleways, and coastal trails:

  • South West Coast Path – iconic long-distance route offering ever-changing sea views and wildlife encounters.

  • Loddiswell Woodland Walks, Haldon Forest, and Berry Head Nature Reserve offer family-friendly trails and bird hides.

  • Join local guided wildlife walks or eco-tours to discover rare species and hidden habitats.

Responsible Nature Travel

Protecting these fragile ecosystems is a shared responsibility. Visitors are encouraged to:

  • Stick to marked paths.

  • Keep dogs under control in sensitive areas.

  • Leave no trace and take litter home.

  • Support conservation charities and local eco-initiatives.

 

South Devon’s natural beauty isn’t just a backdrop, it’s an experience. Whether you’re walking in ancient woodlands, birdwatching on estuary marshes, or picnicking beside a quiet stream, nature is never far away. For eco-conscious travellers, families, and adventurers alike, South Devon is a place to breathe deeply, explore freely, and reconnect with the wild world.