North Devon has always been one of the finest unspoilt locations in the UK and is now home to UK’s first new style UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand.
The Biosphere Reserve contains not only a high quality environment but also a community that is willing to develop in harmony with the environment. At the very heart of the reserve is Braunton Burrows, which is the second largest dunes system in the UK and one of the best quality dunes systems in the northern hemisphere. It has many rare and unusual plants like Sand Toadflax, Water Germander and Sea Stock.
Around the Burrows is the Taw Torridge Estuary, nationally important for over-wintering birds and the mudflats they feed on. Most of the North Devon coast is also designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, showing the importance of the wild character of this area.
The Biosphere Reserve extends up the river catchments to the sources of the rivers that tumble into the Bristol Channel and the Atlantic. Key features include the internationally important Culm grasslands with their special sets of plants and invertebrates.
The wildlife has abundance in the region. Wading birds dominate the Biosphere and estuaries. The marine nature reserve protects rare corals and sea life. Lundy Island with its own unique flora and fauna, gives sanctuary to seals and dolphins in the water. The Exmoor ponies, which is one of the oldest pure horse breeds, range the moors with Red Deer. And in the evening badgers can be seen scuttling through the undergrowth.
Being a part of this amazing eco-system is fantastic fun for visitors and locals of all ages. The tourists could be continually surprised by unexpected views when traveling over undulating hills, unchanged in thousands of years. Whether creating sandcastle masterpieces on the miles of award winning beaches, flying kits along our scenic coastlines or venturing into the Atlantic for an invigorating surf, the Biosphere Reserve provides perfect memories for the whole family. It could be a good place to go if you are looking to temporary lapse of reality and relax.