Devon’s Nature Reserves: fur, feathers and family days out
3rd April 2015
Categories: Visitor News
For a great Spring day out with the family, why not explore one Devon’s stunning nature reserves. From sand dunes backing onto beautiful beaches to wooded valleys and reedbeds, you’ll discover peace, quiet and an amazing variety of birds, animals and plants. Enjoy a family day with a great Devon Nature Reserve.
Braunton Burrows (near Saunton beach)
Where: A huge sand dune range backing onto Saunton beach covering 2000 acres and one of the most impressive and beautiful dune systems in Britain. EX33 2NU.
You’ll see: Almost 500 species of plants have been spotted making Braunton the most biodiverse parish in England.
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Image c/o Neville Stanikk
Berry Head National Nature Reserve
Where: Gillard Road, Brixham TQ5 9AP
You’ll see: Stunning coastal views, a variety of wildlife and history with the recently restored Napoleonic War fortifications.
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Wistmans Wood
Where: Amazing woodland in the Dart river valley with views of wild Devon. SX612774
You’ll see: Impressive granite boulders and mosses and lichens festooning the trees.
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Dawlish Warren Nature & Wildlife Reserve
Where: Freshwater pools in amongst herb-rich grasslands, woodland and reedbeds on the River Exe, south of Exeter EX7 0NF
You’ll see: A bird hide gives great cover to spot (if you’re lucky) a short-eared Owl, Brent Geese or a Cirl Bunting. Rarities recorded include Broad-billed Sandpiper and Stone Curlew.
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Stover Country Park
Where: A 4 hectare lake and Country Park at Stover, Newton Abbot. TQ12 6QG
You’ll see: Woodland, grassland, marsh and a wealth of water birds, dragonflies and damselflies including rarities such as the hairy dragonfly, migrant hawker and red-eyed damselfly.
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Slapton Ley
Where: A freshwater lake and Nature Reserve within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty around Slapton. TQ7 2TQ
You’ll see: Slapton Sands and Torcross Beach are two halves of a 3 mile sand and shingle bar with pubs, cafes and small shops.
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