Berry Head National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Berry Head NNR is a limestone headland on the south side of Torbay, and is home to rare wildlife. It is made up of two separate areas,the Berry Head promontory and Sharkham Point, which are separated by St Mary’s Bay. One of Berry Head’s specialities is the cirl bunting, one of Britain’s most threatened songbirds, which is seen all year round, but particularly in winter when flocks feed on path edges. Up to 1,000 guillemots breed on the cliffs from March to June. They can also be seen early in the morning from mid-October to March. The adder is seen throughout the summer, but it hibernates in winter and only becomes active around April while looking for mates. Its zig-zag pattern camouflages it incredibly well against bracken. Look out for it on sunny days basking on warm rocky outcrops in quiet areas of the reserve.

Location

Gillard Road, BRIXHAM, TQ5 9AP

About the area

Devon sums up all that is best about the British landscape, with its magnificent coastlines, two historic cities, the world-famous Dartmoor National Park and south Devon’s glorious English Riviera. A fashionable and much-loved holiday destination, hiking and cycling in the National Parks is extremely popular among visitors, with a great choice of off-road routes.

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Berry Head National Nature Reserve

Gillard Road, BRIXHAM, TQ5 9AP

01803 882619

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Berry Head National Nature Reserve

Recommended by

Overview

Berry Head NNR is a limestone headland on the south side of Torbay, and is home to rare wildlife. It is made up of two separate areas,the Berry Head promontory and Sharkham Point, which are separated by St Mary’s Bay. One of Berry Head’s specialities is the cirl bunting, one of Britain’s most threatened songbirds, which is seen all year round, but particularly in winter when flocks feed on path edges. Up to 1,000 guillemots breed on the cliffs from March to June. They can also be seen early in the morning from mid-October to March. The adder is seen throughout the summer, but it hibernates in winter and only becomes active around April while looking for mates. Its zig-zag pattern camouflages it incredibly well against bracken. Look out for it on sunny days basking on warm rocky outcrops in quiet areas of the reserve.

Location

Gillard Road, BRIXHAM, TQ5 9AP

About the area

Area image

Devon sums up all that is best about the British landscape, with its magnificent coastlines, two historic cities, the world-famous Dartmoor National Park and south Devon’s glorious English Riviera. A fashionable and much-loved holiday destination, hiking and cycling in the National Parks is extremely popular among visitors, with a great choice of off-road routes.

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)