Devon info needed

cwilk · #1 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 01:06 PM

Hi all,

Just booked a holiday to Devon for easter (torbay area) can anyone recommend any guidebooks about the area, in particular for the flowers etc. Last time I visited the sw i was impressed at how many particular 'west country' plants there were that you just dont see in the north. I have heard of the famous slapton sands and ley but any other wildlife recommedations?

ron1863 · #2 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 01:20 PM

Here's a site with nature walks, enjoy your holiday:

Walking about Torbay

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 07:04 PM

Torbay at Easter! Are you mad? Cancel and come back 2 weeks later; then you can stay until mid July and really get to enjoy the area. And find parking places.

If you are heading westwards, you must have a walk along the Coast Path. You can pick it up around Slapton and head in either direction. Anywhere between Dartmouth and Plymouth will give stunning scenery and a wide variety of wildlife. I'm about half way (Salcombe) and frequently walk there, but only out of season.

There are a great many other National Trust sites for wildlife and walks in the area. And Dartmoor isn't far away.

cwilk · #4 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 09:20 PM

I know, its going to be BUSY! Restricted to school hols, unfortunately, and hoping to tag some wildlife holidaying onto family holidaying. Is there anywhere round Salcome that is good for rockpooling?

Gypsy Orchid · #5 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 09:59 PM

Berry head near Brixham is good for flowers and birds. You can get a ferry across the bay from Torquay to Brixham and then walk to Berry head. Dawlish Warren is also a good place for flowers and Birds the rare Sand Crocus should be in flower at this time in the nature reserve. Nice beach and facilities for children so you can keep the whole family happy here for the day but quite a drive from Torbay. Hope you have a good holiday.
Sylv

Geoff F · #6 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 10:03 PM

Parking is going to be the problem wherever you go then. The rocky western end of Torbay, towards Berry Head might be worth a look.

Start Point and westwards to Prawle Point is a recognised area for marine biologists but parking is very limited and the roads are narrow, but it might be worth going early in the morning. Sheltered from west winds here. Lannacombe is a good starting point but . . .

Not sure about the area eastwards of Slapton but Blackpool Sands (the real Blackpool) would be worth a look.

Further along the coast, Hope Cove and the various little beaches towards Bantham will be good, particularly if we get the statuatory cold east winds then.

Salcombe Estuary is generally good for marine wildlife. Try North or South Sands, on the western side. Parking will be impossible on the other side.

And while in that area, the NT gardens at Overbecks, South Sands and the surrounding coastal walks are worth a visit. The woodland walk will probably be quiter, but muddy, it is a real natural wood!

But once again, parking is very limited here.

There are also some good walks alongside the estuary just to the north east of the town in the Snapes Point area. Worth taking a macro lens. And, yes once again, very limited parking.

But, with a bit of care and willingness to walk a bit. This area is reasonably close to the main car parks, along an interesting creek side. Also, there is a ferry which runs from the town centre to South Sands.

Feel like I am writing a guide book here.

I keep out of the way during Easter, but if the weather is good there is an interesting piece of NT woodland in the estuary which can only be reached by a small boat. So I might have a look there. Spent a lot of time doing a basic wildlife survey last year, mostly insects, and I would like to continue this year.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

Geoff.

cwilk · #7 (**permalink**) 31-03-2009, 06:30 PM

Thankyou mike, thats really useful. Fortunatly the kids get up mega early so we may be able to beat some of the crowds at least!

Ian Gray · #8 (**permalink**) 02-04-2009, 09:06 PM

your going the wrong time of year for my suggestion, but it's a nice spot to visit if passing. Andrews Wood near Kingsbrige well known for the Heath Lobelia which flowers August-September time. One of only five spots it can be found. Took this shot last year.

Might be worth baring in mind if you decide to have a return visit later in the year.

Ian