Wildlife Activities
For the benefit of our members, local residents, and visitors to South Devon; below are some links to the websites of Wildlife and Countryside organisations which own or regulate local wildlife sites, undertake environmental management, and offer outdoor activities

We hope these links will help people to experience and enjoy Devon's wildlife and 
beautiful natural environment


Please note, KNHS cannot be responsible for the content and security of external sites
Wildlife Recording
Devon Biodiversity Records Centre

DBRC www.dbrc.org.uk collect, manage, and make available records of wildlife. We manage a database of over 3.5 million records which is updated by 2,000-5,000 records a month. You can provide DBRC with your records in a variety of ways
Sea Watch
 
www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk is a national marine environmental charity working to improve the conservation of whales, dolphins and porpoises in the seas around Britain and Ireland. To submit a sighting click here
Devon Bird Sightings

www.devonbirds.org contains daily reports submitted by members, including locations and species. There is a search facility if you wish to find the reports on a particular species, or a particular location

Brent Birders
 
www.brentbirdsurvey.co.uk was formed to share information about the birdlife of South Brent parish. It has a number of activities including The Brent Bird Survey is a three year project to record the presence and breeding activities of all bird species in the parish. The results are on 
Wildlife in Devon

www.wildlifeindevon.org.uk provides information and ideas for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts in (or visiting) Devon. The reports now include sightings from the whole of Devon as well as other wildlife besides birds 
Butterfly Conservation

www.butterfly-conservation.org Butterflies and moths are sensitive indicators of the health of our environment. If you want to find out how you can help them There is also a free mobile phone app for identification and recording 
Devon nature reserves, woods, walks, and other wildlife activities
Devon Wildlife Trust


48 wildlife reserves which are free to enter and most are open 365 days per year
Our five nearest reserves are:

Devon Wildlife Trust also recommends 

The nearest local group is Bovey Tracey

National Nature Reserves in Devon

Natural England provides details on the management, features, location, safety and contact information for Devon’s NNRs.

The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) published the 2022 Explorer Magazine. It has lots of information and ideas on getting out and about in this fantastic landscape

Slapton Ley Field Centre and 
National Nature Reserve

Managed by the Field Studies Council
The Field Studies Council at Slapton Ley manages the 214 hectares nature reserve as an "outdoor laboratory" for education and conservation for over 50 years

Slapton Ley is the largest natural lake in SW England and is a national nature reserve

More research has probably been carried out at Slapton than on any other nature reserve in Britain

SW Coast Path S Devon Wildlife Walks

Here you can find the best walks for spotting wildlife along the South West Coast Path, including

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust

The Trust’s mission is to protect land, conserve nature and strengthen the bonds between people and the natural world of Torbay. We are the stewards of the most important natural places in the Bay – including Berry Head Nature Reserve, Cockington Country Park, Occombe Farm and woodlands, cliffs, and coastal walks

Visit South Devon


This online visitor guide also has a great list of nature reserves and parks


South Devon has 3 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one National Park, one World Heritage Site, and countless national nature reserves, sites of special scientific interest, forests, woodlands and parks – all where you can appreciate nature at its best


These areas of landscape are best explored on foot or by bike, where you won't disturb the natural wildlife, flora or fauna

Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust vision is to see a UK rich in native woods and trees

The Woodland Trust has many woods in South Devon, some of them on private land.
In the extensive Avon Valley Woods, there are three varied and interesting woodlands all close together. Watkins wood just North of Woodleigh has an excellent car park, with access to the other woods near by, and great views of Dartmoor.

Wembury Marine Centre

Wembury and the surrounding coastline form a Marine Conservation Area (MCA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). 
Learn about the surrounding area and its wildlife at Wembury Marine Centre

Forestry Commission

Woods with wildlife in S Devon
Haldon Forest, Exeter Raptor Trail
Haldon Forest, Exeter Butterfly Trail
Denham Wood, West of Yelverton
Devon County, Regional, and Local Natural History Organisations
Devon Local Nature Partnership

Devon’s natural environment is not only beautiful it is our greatest asset and something none of us should take for granted. It provides us with food, fuel, pollination, flood control, great recreational and business opportunities and even a natural health service. It underpins life in Devon. Natural Devon brings together all those interested in protecting and enhancing our environment for the benefit of people, wildlife and businesses
South Devon National Landscape (Previously SD AONB)
 
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are Britain's best landscapes. There are 46 of them, all designated by government and protected by law. 
South Devon National Landscape stretches from Torbay to the outskirts of Plymouth South Devon National Landscape is loved for its rugged cliffs, sandy coves, peaceful countryside, picturesque villages, rolling hills, wooded valleys, colourful hedge banks, and secretive estuaries. The National Landscape is a centre for active and creative community life, a thriving and dynamic work place and a popular visitor destination.
Their website has an interactive map of over 39 walks, with more info at www.southdevon-nl.org.uk/walks/
There is also a comprehensive calendar of events, many of which are about our local wildlife www.southdevon-nl.org.uk/events/
Devon Hedge Group

Devon Hedge Group is a forum of organisations and individuals interested in working together to promote the appreciation and conservation of hedges found across the county. Members of the Group represent the full range of interests associated with hedges in Devon, including agriculture, the conservation of wildlife and landscape, and historical and cultural values

Devon Wildlife Trust holds a unique and influential position. Unique because it is the only independent organisation concerned with all aspects of wildlife conservation in Devon. Influential because it is a member of The Wildlife Trusts partnership, a nationwide network dedicated to the achievement of Living Seas and a Living Landscape in the UK





The DNPA has the duty to pursue the two statutory duties:
To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the DNP and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the DNP by the public
There are excellent guides for Dartmoor Walks, and here are links for The Two Moors Way - The Templar Way - The West Devon Way and the new Dartmoor Way
Devon Mammal Group
 
Devon Mammal Group organises an extensive programme of events throughout the county including training on mammal tracking, talks about on-going and potential mammal projects both locally and nationally. 
We also organise regular European trips and a topical symposium with national experts in regular attendance
Devon Branch of Butterfly Conservation

Devon Branch of Butterfly Conservation runs regular summer field trips throughout the county
Devon Moth Group

Devon Moth Group promotes the study, recording and conservation of moths in Devon
Devon Birds

Devon Birds is primarily dedicated to the study and conservation of wild birds, its current activities include:
* Collecting and validating records for inclusion in a new Devon Bird Atlas
* Improving and managing a wide range of reserves and hides
* Financially and physically supporting with the RSPB and others the protection of rare breeding birds in Devon
* Annually collating c 60,000 bird records and turning this into the Devon Bird Report


WRT is an environmental charity established in 1995 to secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of the rivers, streams, watercourses and water impoundments in the Westcountry and to advance the education of the public in the management of water. 
Click here for the Devon Avon



Devon Bat Group

Devon Bat group - One of a network of bat groups in the UK, formed in 1984 by a group of people concerned about the decline of British bats. Our county is of special importance as it supports most of the British bat species and our members work to maintain this status & increase our knowledge about bats


Devon Fungus Group

Devon Fungus Group's main activity is visiting wildlife sites in Devon with the aim of finding and recording the fungi that occur there. We are affiliated to the British Mycological Society and the Fungus Conservation Trust and submit our records to their databases 
Wildlife Experiences
Stuart Line River Exe Cruises

Stuart Line run guided bird watching cruises in the winter months to see the large numbers of esturary birds including the famous Avocets
Avocet Rail Line

A really good illustrated one page pdf map of the whole of the Exe Estuary, with details of the stops on the rail line from Exeter to Exmouth, with illustrations of the typical birds seen on the back of the leaflet
The National Marine Aquarium - Plymouth

The National Marine Aquarium Is the largest public aquarium in the UK, featuring marine animals from near and far, whilst helping to protect and conserve the marine environment
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