Being a responsible visitor

Devon has the most fantastic natural environment and we all want it to stay that way.

While out and about, please:

  • Avoid disturbing livestock, keep your dog under close control and leave all gates as you find them
  • Take your litter home and recycle where possible
  • Avoid disturbing wild animals, birds and flowers
  • Keep to established public footpaths, especially along the coast, stay away from cliff edges and quarry edges, beware of falling rocks
  • Wear appropriate footwear as paths can be uneven and slippery
  • Always check weather conditions before your trip
  • Check tide times and aim to be on beaches during a falling tide – be aware of incoming tides and big waves
  • Leave fossils or other geological specimens where they are embedded in the rock, they are important for scientific study and education
  • Keep fossil collecting to a minimum and report interesting finds. Landowner permission is required to collect specimens from privately owned sites
  • On horseback please be considerate to other users, be aware of the Highway Code and wear a helmet at all times.

If you would like to find out more about Devon’s amazing environment and the work of the Devon Local Nature Partnership please visit the Natural Devon website.

The maps on this website are for guidance only and should be used in conjunction with OS maps. They do not imply free and easy access, so please respect private property and if somewhere looks difficult or dangerous, do not attempt to access it.