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Coastal in Devon

Devon’s coastal wildlife areas are among the most dynamic and ecologically diverse habitats in the county, stretching along dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, rocky shores, and sheltered estuaries. These coastal environments support a rich array of marine and terrestrial species, from seabirds like guillemots and fulmars nesting on cliffs, to grey seals, rockpool creatures, and rare coastal plants adapted to the salty, wind-battered conditions. The meeting point of land and sea also creates vital stopover points for migratory birds and nurseries for marine life. With their striking natural beauty and ecological importance, Devon’s coasts are key to both regional biodiversity and broader marine conservation efforts.

Scaly Cricket Branscombe adrian colston

Branscombe Beach

Branscombe Beach, located on the Jurassic Coast in East Devon, is a shingle and pebble beach backed by rolling cliffs
Morte Bay near Lee Bay National Trust Images David Norton

Lee Bay

Lee Bay is on the South West Coast Path, on the coast road reached through the Valley of Rocks from
Nick Russill unsplash Dawlish warren

Dawlish Warren

Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve is over 500 acres of protected grassland, sand dunes, mudflats and centres home to over 600
Photo of a group of people inside Beer Quarry caves

Beer Quarry Caves

Beer Quarry Caves provide a fascinating insight into the geology of East Devon, where a unique limestone was formed on
Photo of Seaton Wetlands

Seaton Wetlands

Explore Seaton Wetlands and enjoy beautiful marshland and reedbeds alongside the River Axe. There are five bird hides and nearly
Photo of a lapwing

The Taw-Torridge Estuary

The extensive Taw-Torridge estuary has a typical range of saltmarsh communities, with plants such as glasswort, sea aster and sea
Photo across a dune slack to sand dunes in the background

Braunton Burrows

Situated at the entrance to the Taw-Torridge Estuary, Braunton Burrows is among Britain’s most significant sand dune systems and forms
Landscape photo looking along the length of the beach and road at Slapton Ley with lagoon on the left and sea on the right

Slapton Ley

The main geological feature at this wonderful site is a dramatic shingle bar running from Strete Gate south to the
Photo of geese on a lake in marshes

Bowling Green Marsh (The Exe Estuary)

Bowling Green Marsh makes up part of the Exe Estuary, an area of international importance for wintering waders and wildfowl.
Photo of bluebells

Warleigh Point

Warleigh Point is a Devon Wildlife Trust reserve. It’s a fine example of coastal oak woodland. A variety of management
Photo of white grassland flowers

Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs

Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs is a magnificent reserve comprising of 304 hectares of coastal landslides and cliffs – one
Photo of the pink flowers of sea lavender

The Otter Estuary

The Otter Estuary is a compact and accessible estuary, which supports a particularly well-developed saltmarsh flora that includes such characteristic
Photo of grassy fields down to coastal cliffs and the sea at Berry Head

Berry Head, Brixham

Berry Head offers spectacular views across Torbay.  So it is not surprising that it was chosen as a strategic location
Photo of a bar-tailed godwit wading on mud

Wembury VMCA

The Wembury Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA) runs for about four miles from Yealm Head to Fort Bovisand, extending out to
Photo looking down on sea and beach with rocky cliffs behind
21miles

North Devon VMCA

The North Devon Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA) runs for about 21 miles along the coast from Hangman Point in