Welcome to South Devon National Landscape

Work with us – current opportunities

Five estuaries – for wildlife, business and recreation

79% of the National Landscape is managed by farmers

Welcome to South Devon National Landscape

In recognition of its special qualities South Devon National Landscape was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1960.

One of 46 National Landscapes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and a member of the National Landscapes Association, these protected landscapes are managed through local Partnerships on behalf of the nation.

South Devon National Landscape is one of a family of protected landscapes in the UK. With the guidance of a Partnership , the team works to enhance South Devon’s outstanding beauty, for which the designation was applied. The special qualities of South Devon National Landscape include its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, secretive estuaries, patchwork countryside and historic villages – to name but a few!

Find out more here:

Special Qualities

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South Devon National Landscape

16 hours ago

📣The #BigButterflyCount 2025 is here! 🦋Butterflies are beautiful, but they're also fragile. That's why they often make great indicator species, helping us to understand and measure the health of our ecosystems 🌱 You can take part in this year's count by visiting bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/ and uploading your results before the 10th August ⏳📅It's easy, free, and only takes 15 minutes!Here's what you might see in the National Landscape:⭐ The Small Blue (top left) is one of our smallest resident butterflies and often overlooked. Berry Head in Brixham is one of the best places to spot this species, which typically fly between mid May - mid June, with another brood in late August.⭐The Grayling (top right) is a large, distinctive butterfly which is rather widespread along the coast. Well camouflaged, it perches with its wings closed, making it hard to spot on bare ground or vegetation. But, if you're paying attention, you'll find them from early August to mid September along the coast. 📷by Iain Leach.⭐Silver-studded Blue (bottom left). This is a rare butterfly which is restricted to small colonies in coastal heathland sites where the caterpillars feed on heathers. Similar in appearance to the more abundant 'common blue butterfly' except with distinctive silver spots, or 'studs', the adults can be seen between early July and mid August. 📷 by Rob Skinner.⭐Although not a butterfly, the Thrift Clearwing (bottom right) is another exciting spot at this time of year. These moths are the UK's smallest clearwing with a wingspan of just 16mm. The caterpillars are restricted to coastal sites where they feed on the roots of Thrift plants. The adults can be seen in early summer from June - July visiting the flowers of Thrift and Thyme. 📷 by Rob Skinner. ... See MoreSee Less

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