Slapton Ley Nature Reserve Wildlife
Slapton Ley, the ideal location for nature lovers
Set within a South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Slapton Ley is one of the region’s most vibrant wildlife reserves. It’s also a wonderful place for young and old to visit and reconnect with nature. We caught up with Kerry from the Slapton Ley Field Studies team to find out more about this rare and protected habitat and the creatures that make it their home.
Q&A with Kerry of Slapton Ley Nature Reserve
What goes on at the Slapton Ley Field Centre?
During the school term time we run residential trips for educational settings ranging from primary age through to university students.
Where can we find you?
We are located in Slapton village; coming from Kingsbridge you would turn right at the memorial on Slapton Sands and head over the small bridge and we are on the right hand-side.
What is unique about Slapton Ley and its surrounding habitat?
Slapton Ley is the largest natural freshwater lake in the south west, separated from the sea by a shingle beach. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) it was declared a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1993. The Nature Reserve is 1.5 miles long and covers over 490 acres of natural woodland, marshes and reedbed habitat, making it a wildlife haven for all types of birds and vegetation.
If you’re a keen bird-watcher or nature lover, why not incorporate Slapton’s National Nature Reserve into one of your days out. With such diverse animals, insects and plant life to discover, it’s sure to pique your interest in learning all about these precious habitats. Slapton Ley is a great day out for families, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone with a passion for nature. Come and enjoy the circular walks on offer.
What kinds of courses and learning experiences do you offer?
We offer activities and courses for all ages ranging from pond dipping to week- long art courses or natural history courses. There is something for everyone. You can of course just visit the Ley and walk round it at no cost.
Lots of your courses seem like ideal excursions for holiday-makers?
We have great courses that we run throughout the summer ideal for family holidays. You can either stay on site or visit daily. Dinner is also often included in the price, to ensure you make it through your fun-packed day.
Can the whole family join in?
We have activities for the whole family and we actively encourage all members to take part, join in, have fun, and learn about the amazing environment all around us.
Can we expect to get our hands dirty?
Expect to join in and get mucky, learn how to make campfires, build shelters and forage in the woods, lifting stones to see what’s hiding underneath.
What kinds of wildlife are we likely to encounter down at Slapton Ley?
One of the best ways to find out more about all the wildlife on Slapton Ley is to buy one of our FSC leaflets and learn all about their diverse habitats. https://www.field-studies-council.org/shop/
What could we all be doing to help us reconnect with nature?
We want to create a world where everyone feels connected to the environment so they can enjoy the benefits it gives and make choices that help protect it. Just walking around the reserve will introduce you to a multitude of species and habitats. You could start by exploring different habitats close to home – wild spaces in your garden or local park.
Why is it so important for us to protect natural enclaves such as Slapton Ley?
We help people learn about the natural world so they can make informed choices about how best to protect it. We aim to inspire people to be passionate about the environment. To quote Sir David Attenborough: “No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” So come and visit Slapton Ley and explore the wonders of the natural world for yourselves.
If you had to pick out your favourite Slapton Ley ‘wild’ resident, what would it be and why?
If you are incredibly lucky (and patient) then you may spot an otter around the Ley, but if not, there will be plenty of birds, butterflies, moths and dragonflies to spot which you can identify with one of our amazing guides. https://www.field-studies-council.org/shop/
Thank you, Kerry, for introducing us to the Slapton Ley Field Centre and revealing all the exciting things that go on there. It’s a nature lover’s dream!