Summer

The plant communities which colonise the vegetated shingle ridge along the beach crest are an important component of the SSSI. The highly specialised plants that colonise this zone are a major draw to all, from the casual observer to the experienced botanist. The pink swathes of Thrift, the vibrant blues of the Viper’s Bugloss and the stunning Yellow Horned Poppy are typical features among the plant communities which thrive in this hostile environment.

A phenomenon which sparks huge interest at this time of year are the spiralling plumes of “smoke” that appear along the backslope beside the A379. This “smoke” is in fact a massive gathering of hundreds of thousands of Chironomid Midges engaging in a frenzied display, at times the intensity of numbers can be sufficiently dense to cause traffic to slow due to impaired visibility! Points of interest – these midges do not bite, and they comprise 99% of the diet of the rare Cetti’s Warbler, a resident and key species of the NNR.

On the theme of insects, a late evening walk along Slapton Line as dusk falls may bring the reward of a fascinating sighting of Glow Worms. The female insects emit a strong light to attract the males as a precursor to mating. (Males, larvae and even the eggs are also capable of generating light).

When visiting the NNR in high summer be sure to take in the butterflies and dragonflies; Slapton boasts a huge species range among these communities. Among the ones to look out for are the striking Clouded Yellow, a migrant butterfly from France, and the Southern Hawker Dragonfly, a true master of aerial acrobatics.

Looking offshore, Basking Sharks and Seals are regular sightings at this time of the year.