The Devon Guide

Wildlife Attractions in Devon

Wildlife Events In Devon

Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) local groups organise many wildlife events and activities. These are groups of DWT members and volunteers who are actively involved in spreading the message about wildlife conservation. Up to the minute information on events can be found at the DWT website: www.devonwildlifetrust.org

About the Devon Wildlife Trust

The aim of the Devon Wildlife Trust is to safeguard the future of the county's urban, rural and marine wildlife and its environment. There are many ways you can get involved - by becoming a member, helping with practical conservation work, campaigning, increasing awareness or raising funds. Wildlife Watch is the junior section of The Wildlife Trusts. Each year Wildlife Watch organises activities at both national and local level, increasing children's awareness and enjoyment of the natural world. If you want to secure a safe future for Devon and its countryside become a member of Devon Wildlife Trust. Members receive Wild Devon (DWT's award winning wildlife magazine), Natural World (national magazine of The Wildlife Trusts), nature reserves guide (details of DWT's 40 wildlife havens), and membership of DWT's club for 5-14 year olds.

You can join by visiting www.devonwildlifetrust.org and following the links to "How to join" or by emailing contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org or by phoning 01392 279244

South Devon

The National Marine Aquarium at Plymouth

Sharks, fish, sea turtles, octopi, and everything else that lives under the sea make this a fascinating day out for children and adults alike. They have the biggest tank in the UK (the height of a three storey building!), interactive and creative exhibits, including Explorocean, which is itself home to over 20 exhibits, including the fabulous Aqua Theatre, Ocean Energy and Seabed Futures.
For details of how to get there, see the website at www.national-aquarium.co.uk or phone them on 01752 220084 or email: enquiries@national-aquarium.co.uk

The Devon Bird of Prey Centre, Totnes / Newton Abbot

Karen Andriunas has worked hard to establish this centre, where you can see eagles, kites, falcons, owls, hawks and vultures at close quarters, watch them feed, and enjoy the magnificent site of them flying free. You can also try out the ancient art of falconry yourself.
Fermoys Garden Centre, Totnes Road, Ipplepen, Newton Abbott, TQ12 5TN
Phone: 07801 325070 or email karen@devonbirdofprey.co.uk

Orchid Paradise, Newton Abbot

The award winning Burnham Nurseries show a fine display of rare and exotic orchids in a paradise garden. Open daily all year.
Phone 01626 352233 or see the website at www.orchids.uk.com

Occombe Farm Organic Open Farm, Paignton

From wildflower walks to sheep shearing and sausage making, this organic farm holds over fifty events each year. Traditional west country breeds graze the fields, livestock roam freely, and a two mile nature trail winds through the beautiful Devon countryside. There's a farm shop and a bake house, a bird hide, and wildlife cameras all across the site, so you might catch a close up of some wild animals on the farm.
Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Preston, Paignton, TQ3 1RN
Phone 01803 520022 or check out the website www.occombe.org.uk

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Budleigh Salterton

Over 60 glorious acres including an 18th century Italian Garden, elegant water features, exquisite gardens and a superb arboretum with over 25 British champion trees. There's also a countryside museum packed with vintage farm vehicles, run by steam, children's play area and a small railway. The palm house is both older and more spectacular than Kew Gardens'! There's also evening entertainment and much, much more. Open 10 - 5 in winter, 10 - 6 in summer, closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Bicton Park, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 7BJ
Phone 01395 568465 or see the website at www.bictongardens.co.uk

Dartmoor Otters and Butterflies, Buckfastleigh

Rescued or bred here, the otters are all playful, happy and lively creatures with charm and intelligence. Asian, British and North American otters rub along side by side in a beautiful setting, where you can also see a tropical butterfly farm. Otter feedings are well worth a visit - at 11.30 am, 2.00 pm and 4.30 pm. The South Devon steam railway is close at hand too!
The Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, The Station, Buckfastleigh, Devon
Phone 01364 642916 or email contact@ottersandbutterflies.co.uk You can also visit the website: www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk

Rare Breeds Farm, Totnes

Spectacular owls, red squirrels, hedgehogs, goats, sheep, birds, and much more, plus a cafe, views of Totnes castle and the South Devon steam railway. Open April to October.
By the mainline steam railway at Totnes. Phone 01803 840387 or see the website www.totnesrarebreeds.co.uk

Becky Falls Woodland Park, Dartmoor

With wildlife discovery trails to suit all ages, a petting farm for kids, children's nature trail competitions, wooded picnic areas, boulder clambering, special activities in the school hols, and Bertha the Boa Constrictor, Becky Falls offers something for everyone.
Becky Falls, Manaton, Near Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9UG Phone 01647 221259 or see the website www.beckyfalls.com