Naturalists

Slapton Ley NNR provides handsomely for visitors to the site with excellent viewpoints throughout the public access areas. More recently the NNR infrastructure has been improved via the installation of a disabled access facility at Slapton Bridge together with dedicated disabled parking . The viewpoint affords a splendid southerly aspect looking over the reed beds and Lower Ley towards Torcross in the distance: this is an ideal vantage point for bird watching.

Travelling further along the Nature Trail around the Lower Ley will bring you to an opening in the tree canopy and the recently constructed viewpoint together with its splendid carved handrail incorporating an array of nature images. This is an ideal spot for watching over-wintering wildfowl in Ireland Bay, and the extensive reed beds beyond are host to the magnificent winter Starling roost.

Move a few hundred metres further along the path and this brings one to an open grassy glade backed by a disused quarry face. This area is known as the "Butterfly Glade"; covered with brambles, elder, ivy and nettles this is splendid invertebrate habitat, and the sheltered southerly aspect is a draw for many species of seasonal butterflies and dragonflies. A sunny winter's day can occasionally bring the reward of a rare sighting of a foraging Firecrest.

The Nature Trail then continues, this section being bordered by deciduous woodland and reed bed. Visitors then have the option of moving directly on to Slapton Village, passing beside our grazing marsh, or alternatively walking through the willow carr and reedbed by crossing the impressive Southgrounds boardwalk. At this point there is the choice of a second footpath leading back to Slapton village or a longer more circuitous route along the picturesque Marsh Lane.

Slapton Bridge itself should also be regarded as a prime site to visit, as one can actually look down into the reeds and watch the birds moving between the reed stems. The channel passing beneath the bridge connects the two water bodies of the Higher and Lower Leys; Grass Snakes, Kingfishers, Otters, Pike and diving Great Crested Grebes may be observed from this popular vantage point.

The South Devon Coastal Footpath running along the landward side of the A379 links Strete Gate to the north with Torcross in the south. A walk along the path affords the keen nature watcher with boundless opportunities, and an excursion across the road on to the shingle ridge presents the ideal spot for some sea watching.

SLNNR provides two all-weather bird hides. The Torcoss bird hide immediately adjoins the car park, and the recently renewed structure offers disabled access. The nearby Stokeley hide which gives excellent northerly views over the reed fringe lies to the west, just off the A379 and is approached via a short flight of steps.

Slapton Ley Field Centre welcomes visitors throughout the year. The Information Centre is open 7 days a week; there is array of interpretive material on display with a regularly updated sightings board. A member of the SLNNR team is usually available to answer queries or give advice. A schedule of forthcoming events may be viewed together with any details of the many specialist residential courses hosted by the Centre.