10 Best Wildlife spots in Devon
The biggest challenge of wildlife photography has nothing to do with the photography part and everything to do with the wildlife… because without wildlife you have no subject to photography and whilst I do not share specific locations, I am not against sharing good areas where wildlife may be found. So, in the spirit of this I thought I would share 10 great areas in and around Devon which are perfect for a spot of wildlife watching or photography.
Top Ten Spots:
- Great Western Canal- Tiverton
- Exeter Quayside- Exeter city
- River Otter- Otterton
- Wembury Beach- Wembury
- Dartmoor National Park
- Exe Estuary- Exeter to Topsham
- Bystock Nature Reserve- Exmouth
- Aylesbeare Common- Aylesbeare
- Labrador Bay- Teignmouth
- Exmoor National Park
1. Great Western Canal
Car Park: Tiverton EX16 7FG
My first recommended spot is in Tiverton, in the north-east of Devon. This little canal is the perfect spot for birdwatching with many types of waterfowl and other bird species to be seen; including the popular kingfisher which is a common sight dipping and diving into the water. It also makes a lovely walk which is accessible to everyone, for both walking and cycling. There is also usually a little coffee van to be found by the bridge, which is perfect for a post wildlife watching snack.
2. Exeter Quayside
Car Park: Exeter EX1 1DE
Another great location, but slightly more in the city is Exeter quayside, where you can walk/paddle/cycle along both sides of the river and canal. Here you can see many types of familiar birds from swans, geese, ducks, and herons to the occasional kingfisher and cormorant. Exeter Quay is one of my favourite locations for testing out wildlife photography techniques and ideas- as the birds are so use to people it is easy to get clear shots from only a few metres away.
3. River Otter
Car Park: Village of Otterton
The river otter (despite the name) is a great location for spotting beavers, with many sightings all along the river but most concentrated in the lower reaches towards the village of Otterton. They are most active at dawn and dusk, and with plenty of footpaths close to the river there is plenty of opportunity to catch a glimpse or quick shot.
4. Wembury Beach
Car Park: Wembury marine centre (national trust car park)
Wembury beach is definitely in my top five UK locations for rock pooling! There is plenty to explore and investigate, it is the perfect spot to find some shore life and marine invertebrates. There is even a marine life centre right next to the beach, that offers insight and talks on what you can find on Wembury.
5. Dartmoor National Park
Okay, so including the whole national park in my top 10 spots may be a slight problem as its such a large area… however, I have never taken a trip to Dartmoor and not seen an interesting wildlife species and with the likes of the Dartmoor pony all over the moorland you can’t really miss them on a drive up there.
6. Exe Estuary
Car Park: Exeter EX3 0QH
This one is perfect for birdwatchers and photographers alike, with loads of wading and water birds taking up residence along the length of the estuary. There is always plenty to see. The Exe has a number of different hides and look outs to explore but a good place to start is the RSPB Bowling Green Marsh, which also gives out free hot drinks daily; perfect for those cooler days.
7. Bystock Nature Reserve
Car Park: Exmouth, EX8 5EE
Bystock nature reserve is where I head if I want to find insects! This reserve managed by Devon wildlife trust is a haven for dragonflies and damselflies in the summer months. However, don’t fear if you visit before the summer because there is also a huge population of red wood ant, which you can find marching along the reserve floor and up into the trees!
8. Aylesbeare common
Car Park: Exeter EX5 2JS
Aylesbeare common is the perfect habitat for finding reptiles, with all the low heathland and direct sunlight you can find loads of Britain’s native reptiles here in the summer months. However, don’t panic if reptiles aren’t quite your thing, you should also keep an eye out for birds as this place is home to several species including the Dartford warbler and nightjar.
9. Labrador Bay
Car Park: Teignmouth TQ14 0HP
This beautiful coastal reserve is the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of wildlife watching whilst enjoying an awesome sea vista. The view across the bay gives a great chance to look for large marine life as well as coastal birds flying above the waves. It is also one of only a few locations that is home to the cirl bunting- a rare bird that lives in only a few habitats on the south coast.
10. Exmoor National Park
Again, this isn’t technically a one stop kinda location, but Exmoor national park had to get a mention as it’s a great spot for seeing wild red deer herds all year round. The deer have been on Exmoor since prehistoric times being maintained throughout British history, for various reasons from hunting to conservation and management.
