Westcountry Rivers Trust This beautiful river holds a place in the hearts of those who live in East Devon. Starting life at Crowpits Covert near Ottery St Mary, the flows through the landscape, winding its way to the Jurassic Coast.
The River Sid offers mile after mile of stunning riverscape to explore. The Sid Valley boasts 39 miles of footpath to set you on your way to enjoying countless river adventures.
https://wrt.org.uk/project/river-otter-sid/
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Westcountry Rivers Trust This beautiful river holds a place in the hearts of those who live in East Devon. Starting life in the Blackdown Hills near Otterford, the Otter flows through the landscape, winding its way to the Jurassic Coast.
The River Otter offers mile after mile of stunning riverscape to explore. Along the Otter Estuary Walking Route, you can delve into the hidden wonders of the river from Budleigh Salterton to Ottery St Mary, discovering rich wildlife and picturesque river settlements as you walk.
https://wrt.org.uk/project/river-otter-sid/
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The Axe Estuary MCZ is an inshore site that covers an area of approximately 0.33 km². The site is within the Axe Estuary in Devon which runs from near Colyford to Axmouth and Seaton, opening up into Lyme Bay. The site is constrained by the boundaries of the estuary and lies adjacent to the Seaton Wetlands, a series of local nature reserves.
The Axe Estuary is an important link between the surrounding wetlands and the open sea. The areas of coastal saltmarshes, intertidal sediments and rocky habitats act as important nursery grounds for juvenile fish, including sea bass, and support habitats for sensitive species of birds, crustaceans (such as crabs, lobsters and barnacles) and molluscs (such as mussels, native oysters and cockles). The estuary is also home to the critically endangered European eel.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-conservation-zones-axe-estuary
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The Otter Estuary MCZ is a small inshore site that covers an area of approximately 0.11 km². The estuary opens into the eastern Channel on the south coast of Devon by the town of Budleigh Salterton. The site extends from the mouth of the river up to the aqueduct near East Budleigh.
The Otter Estuary is a small but important ecosystem supporting a range of habitats and wildlife. It is an essential link from the sea to the River Otter where it serves as a migratory route for European eel, Atlantic salmon, sea trout and shad. The mouth of the estuary is almost completely covered by a shingle bank of intertidal coarse sediment extending from the west coast of the river. The sheltered areas behind the bank have created the perfect environment for the formation of highly productive intertidal mudflats and saltmarshes.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-conservation-zones-otter-estuary
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East of Start Point MCZ is an offshore site which covers an area of 116 km2. It is located in the Eastern Channel region, approximately 20 km off Torquay and 12 miles south of Lyme Bay.
The seabed within East of Start Point MCZ is predominantly composed of subtidal sand. Most animals that live in this type of habitat are found on the surface of the sand or buried within it, such as worms, bivalve molluscs (such as razor clams and mussels) and flat fish. The site is a spawning and nursery ground for a number of fish species such as lemon sole, sand eels, mackerel, thornback ray and spotted ray.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-conservation-zones-east-of-start-point
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Enjoy a walk over quiet heathland, where the woodland fringes, streams and ponds abound with butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Don't miss the chance to see Dartford warblers and stonechats during the summer months. Or stay late into the evening to see nightjars hunting moths at dusk.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/aylesbeare-common/
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A Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
A lake, heathland and meadows go to make a wonderfully diverse nature reserve.
About the reserve
This is one of Devon Wildlife Trust's most popular nature reserves - and it's easy to see why.
Bystock has great variety. Visit and you'll find yourself stopping to take in beautiful views across a lily-pad filled lake, strolling through heathland on boardwalks, and climbing the gentle slopes of a wildflower meadow.
Dragonfly heaven
The nature reserve is well-known for its dragonflies and damselflies which in spring and summer dance across the surface of its open water and heathland. Look out for emperor, downy emerald and golden-ringed dragonflies as they fly around you.
Bystock is good for birds too. Head for its heathland to see willow warblers, blackcaps and stonechats. On summer evenings listen for the weird and wonderful calls of nightjars.
Look for the light
Summer evenings are also the time to look out for bats at Bystock, and for the lights of glow worms as the females signal for a mate from the grass of the reserve's meadow.
Bystock is cared for by a very active group of local volunteers. Say hello to them as they help to keep this special place in tip-top condition!
Download the new 'mindfulness trail' designed by Clare Carter.
Plan your visit and begin to explore
You can begin to plan your visit to Bystock Pools using our free download nature reserve leaflet. And to plan a longer walk starting at the nature reserve use the Bystock wild walk guide.
Bystock is also part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. East Budleigh Common and the East Devon Way are within an easy walk.
Swimming and boating is not permitted at Bystock Pools nature reserve.
Bystock Pool's film, access improvements, interpretation signage and habitat improvements made in 2017 were supported by TESCO bags of help.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/bystock-pools
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A Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
A rich mix of heath, grassland and woodland, especially good for fungi hunting and butterfly spotting.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/hawkswood
- Hits: 1189
A Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
A reserve with a diverse flora and abundance of butterfly species.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/rough
- Hits: 1104
A Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
A quiet corner of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. Home to some rare heathland wildlife.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/venn-ottery
- Hits: 1011
