Berry Head

Visit award-winning Trust sites including Cockington, Berry Head, Seashore Centre or South West Coast Path through Torbay, with an organic educational farm opening 2006. Trust events are legendary - wildlife walks, workshops, volunteering, children's activities, rockpooling, cruises, food festivals and theatre. The Trust manages 1800 acres of spectacular scenery in Torbay. Cockington comprises a thatched village and Lutyens-designed pub; Cockington Court Craft Centre, Rose Garden, Organic Kitchen Garden and unique play area and adjojning parkland. Berry Head National Nature Reserve is Torbay's most important wildlife site. The 65 foot limestone headland defines Torbay's southern-most tip, offering fantastic views. Napoleonic fortifications built to protect the fleet are some of the best preserved nationally. The Seashore Centre at Goodrington is home to the Trust's marine work, with interactive technology bringing the underwater world to life. Other Trust sites include the South West Coast Path, John Musgrave Heritage Trail, woodland, coves and farms. Opening in March 2006 is the Occombe Farm Project, an eductaional farm with shop, cafe and nature trail. The Trust runs over 200 events each year to appeal to walkers, gardeners, children, foodies and those interested in heritage and wildlife. Nature The towering cliffs and rocky headland of Berry Head are the wildlife gem of Torbay. The extensive areas of limestone grassland and scrub are home to many rare plants including white rock-rose, small restharrow, autumn squill and a range of orchids. In all, around 500 plant species have been recorded. There is also much to interest bird watchers. The sea cliffs support the largest guillemot colony along the south coast of England (reaching over 1000 birds). Kittiwakes and fulmars also regularly breed here and areas of scrub provide shelter for whitethroats and linnets. Caves support an important population of rare greater horseshoe bats. Berry Head is also of considerable geological interest, particularly for its sea caves and wave cut platform. For the more historically minded among you there are two 18th Century Napoleonic War Forts (listed ancient monuments) that preside over Torbay from the top of the headland. The South West Coast Path leads south from Berry Head to the Dart Estuary through impressive coastland managed by the National Trust.