Wildlife

The English Riviera is home to rare wildlife in their natural habitats, both on land and at sea. 

Dolphins, porpoises and seals

Tor Bay is home to plenty of marine life, with frequent visitors of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises. These marine mammals can often be seen from the high cliffs at Berry Head. For a closer experience, get out on the water with a wildlife cruise. Take a leisurely 1 hour RIB Seafari with Torquay Watersports or join South West RIB rides from Brixham to take in the sights.

Seals are found throughout the waters of the Bay, and are most active during the winter months - from October-February during breeding season. During this period, take a walk from the award-winning Fishcombe Cove Cafe at Battery Gardens, along the seafront to Brixham Harbour and around the marina, and you are likely to spot one. Please remember to keep your distance: although they may look cuddly, they are still wild animals with wild instincts and incredibly strong. 

Guillemots and bats

Berry Head Nature Reserve is a headland, surrounded by water on three sides and home to a wide variety of wildlife. The high cliffs are home to the largest breeding colony of guillemots on the South Coast of England, peaking at 1,400 birds during breeding season. And, you will hear them before you see them! Just next to the Guardhouse Cafe, you will find a bird hide nestled in the cliffside. You’ll be greeted by the squawks, letting you know that you are in the right place.

As well as the guillemots, Berry Head is also home to a large colony of Greater Horsehoe Bats. These rare mammals reside and roost in the extensive limestone caves, which is an internationally important site for this protected species. At dusk, it is not uncommon to spot bats flying around Brixham, Berry Head and Breakwater Beach. 

Swans, kingfishers and herons

Clennon Lakes in Paignton, is a nature reserve consisting of manmade lakes. They are the most important wetland site on the English Riviera and home to many species found nowhere else in the Bay. Here, you’ll find an array of birds including swans, ducks, moorhens, kingfishers and herons. 

Deer, squirrels and ducks

Cockington Country Park is a spectacular mix of formal gardens, open parkland, rural countryside, mysterious woodlands and picturesque lakes. A fantastic day out for the family, you’re likely to spot native wildlife amongst the 450 acre country park. 

Cows, sheep and chickens

Occombe Farm is a real working farm, bustling with farm animals and beautiful views of the surrounding woodlands. Say hello to the resident cows, sheep, ducks and chickens grazing in the fields. Pop into the Farm Shop to pick up some goodies on the way out.

Dartmoor ponies

An hour’s drive from the English Riviera, you’ll find the wild hills of Dartmoor. Home to many species of animals and plants, including shetland cows, rare butterflies, deer, and of course, the ponies. Between the ancient woodlands, mossy boulders and open moorland, there is plenty of activity for wildlife lovers to enjoy. Please remember that the ponies are still wild animals, so it is advised not to approach them too closely or feed them.