Natural Heritage

The immediate vicinity of Budleigh Salterton contains a tremendous diversity of natural habitats, which support a wealth of flora and fauna. From the high windblown expanses of the heath lands to the sheltered lowland pastures and from the mud of the tidal reaches of the River Otter to the 400+feet high cliffs above Sandy Bay, there is so much of interest to everyone, from inquisitive amateur naturalists to occasional walkers.

The estuary of the River Otter
and Otterton Point

The Otter Estuary is a nature reserve and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and part of the South West
Coast Path, managed by the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust. The estuary was formed by
the pebble bank separating it from the sea.

The path running along the top of the pebble bank has been constructed for wheelchairs, it runs northwards
from Lyme Kiln car park to White Bridge with viewing platforms to give wheelchair users uninterrupted views
over the saltmarsh.

Birdwatchers can enjoy the wide variety of birds who visit the estuary throughout the year.

The heath lands are comprised of a series of seven commons, owned and managed by Clinton Devon Estates. These form the major part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and are one of the most important heath land areas in the U.K.. This unique habitat has developed over many centuries by local people exercising their commoner's rights to use this area as a source of fuel, grazing land and bedding for their animals. Nowadays it is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is used by the Royal Marines for training, by visitors and residents for recreational purposes and is a conservation site for its unique flora and fauna.

On Woodbury Common

The Jurassic Coast
Welcome to the Jurassic Coast - England’s first natural World Heritage Site. This unique stretch of coastline has joined the ranks of the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon as one of the Wonders of the natural world.

Ladram Bay

The Dorset and East Devon Coast has become a World Heritage Site due to its outstanding geology, which represents 185 million years of earth history in just 95 miles. It displays not just superb Jurassic, but older Triassic and younger Cretaceous rocks too. Take a walk through time along the coast and see the geological story for yourself!

The rusty reds and oranges of the Triassic rocks are due to their origin. Iron minerals have weathered to produce the spectacular colour of the cliffs. The cliffs in the western part of Budleigh expose the full thickness of lower Triassic Budleigh Salterton Pebblebeds. The beds are made up of well rounded red and grey cobbles and pebbles.

Find out more about the Jurassic Coast at www.jurassiccoast.com

Sea cruises along the Jurassic Coast operate during the season, giving you a different perspective on the fascinating shoreline.

The Jurassic Coast is stunningly beautiful, with an unparalleled range of natural features. The variety of landslides, beaches, bays and cliffs results in a constantly-changing landscape.

The layers of pebbles found in the cliffs at Budleigh Salterton originated over 400 million years ago when sandstones formed in the place we now call Brittany. These rocks were then eroded and transported by vast rivers during the Triassic paid to form the Budleigh Salterton Pebble Beds. The pebbles then fell onto the beach and were transported to the east by the sea. Distinct Budleigh pebbles can be found all along the World Heritage site and beyond.

The staff of the Budleigh Salterton Tourist Information Centre are here to help you find out more - click here for details.

Aerial photographs © UK Aerial Photography, 2006