England · five wildlife sites
Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Devon
Explore these places for wildlife in Devon. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.
01 / 05
Emsworthy Mire
Near Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
- Habitat
- Dartmoor valley with wet woodland, marshy pasture and streams.
- Wildlife to look for
- Cuckoo (spring and early summer), redstart (spring and summer), tree pipit (spring and summer), stonechat and marsh fritillary butterfly (late spring and early summer).
02 / 05
Dunsford
Near Dunsford.
- Habitat
- Woodland along the River Teign, with steep wooded slopes.
- Wildlife to look for
- Dipper, kingfisher, goosander, fallow deer and otter.
03 / 05
Bystock Pools
Near Exmouth.
- Habitat
- Heathland, woodland and wildflower grassland surrounding ponds and a reservoir.
- Wildlife to look for
- Nightjar (summer evenings), stonechat, emperor dragonfly (summer), golden-ringed dragonfly (summer) and glow-worm (summer evenings).
04 / 05
Meeth Quarry
Near Meeth, near Hatherleigh.
- Habitat
- Former clay quarry with freshwater lakes, ponds, woodland and grassland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Great crested grebe, goosander (especially winter), grass snake (spring and summer), silver-washed fritillary butterfly (summer) and golden-ringed dragonfly (summer).
05 / 05
Exminster and Powderham Marshes
Near Exminster.
- Habitat
- Coastal grazing marsh with wet grassland, pools, ditches and canals.
- Wildlife to look for
- Lapwing, redshank, wigeon (autumn and winter) and Cetti’s warbler.