A gateway into the English Riviera, the jaw-droppingly beautiful Berry Head Nature Reserve in South Devon boasts history, flora and fauna in abundance. The site of two garrisoned forts with origins dating back to 1795, the 200ft-high headland, with its stunning views across the English Channel, was once an important military outpost. Even today, you can still walk its ramparts and retrace the footsteps of soldiers who patrolled the area over 200 years ago.
A gateway into the English Riviera, the jaw-droppingly beautiful Berry Head Nature Reserve in South Devon boasts history, flora and fauna in abundance. The site of two garrisoned forts with origins dating back to 1795, the 200ft-high headland, with its stunning views across the English Channel, was once an important military outpost. Even today, you can still walk its ramparts and retrace the footsteps of soldiers who patrolled the area over 200 years ago.
With its military duties thankfully faded with the passage of time, Berry Head Nature Reserve is now a honeypot for outdoor enthusiasts. Traced by the South West Coast Path, the headland, with its iconic lighthouse and recently reconstructed Napoleonic Fort, draws everyone from nature-lovers to history-buffs to sporty-types looking to get out and about amongst its beautiful scenery and discover all that makes the area so special.
All but surrounded by water and encompassing 170 acres of diverse habitat, Berry Head is a designated Special Area of Conservation, National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. Particularly popular amongst birdwatchers, the headland is home to a thriving guillemot colony, protected by the UK’s only Area of Special Protection which bars the movement of boats during breeding season. Head along with a pair of binoculars, and when day turns to dusk, keep your eyes peeled for the resident populations of endangered horseshoe bats too.
As well as its wildlife, the reserve is also the site of some great walks, rock-climbing spots and kayaking opportunities too. Simply spending an afternoon tracing the South West Coast Path and lapping up the views will be enough to leave you feeling fresh-faced and invigorated. Of course, you can also learn more about the reserve at the onsite visitor centre and reward your efforts with tasty replenishment at the award-winning Guardhouse Café, where meals are accompanied by superb views across the headland and over the sea.
Onsite facilities:
• Paid car park
• Visitor centre
• Café
• Toilets
• Bird hide on cliffs and guillemot viewing camera in VC
• Napoleonic forts
• England’s highest and shortest lighthouse
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