Berry Head Management Plan

About this consultation

Torbay Council and SWISCo have begun working on a new Integrated Management Plan for Berry Head National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Berry Head to Sharkham Point component of the South Hams Special Area of Conservation.

The plan will address the key priorities for the site, and help to co-ordinate action to restore, maintain and enhance key features so that they can continue to be enjoyed responsibly both now and in the future.

As part of this, we would like to find out why you visit Berry Head and why you value it. We also want to hear your thoughts on the current management of the site, any concerns you may have and ideas for improvement. This will help us to shape the management priorities in the new plan.

Why is the management plan important?

Berry Head is a much-loved headland situated on the beautiful Devonian limestone coast of south Devon, just outside Brixham.

The area, which lies within the South Devon National Landscape, is of cultural, natural and historical significance due to its habitats of European significance, wildlife colonies, Napoleonic Forts, geological interest, and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. This importance is reflected in multiple special designations.

It is also subject to a range of different pressures, from the direct and indirect impacts of increased recreational use, nutrient enrichment, vegetation encroachment, climate related impacts, and the potential for new development, particularly within the Brixham Peninsular (as outlined in the Torbay Local Plan update).

These pressures can have a negative impact on the site and careful management is needed to ensure its special features are protected, and it continues to be a thriving place for nature and people.

What will the management plan focus on?

The future management of the site will support the continued improvement of the site to meet the obligations of its designations and secure a nature-rich Berry Head where people and heritage are valued.

The management plan will focus on key priority areas including;

habitat restoration and enhancement
the preservation of scheduled monuments and heritage
how the site can support and enhance protected or vulnerable species
the conservation of geological features
the introduction of a grazing strategy
visitor management strategies that balance the recreational use of the area, with conservation goals.

Find our more about the site and priorities for its management.

Who is producing the management plan?

Footprint Ecology have been commissioned to prepare the plan, working in close collaboration with SWISCo (including the Berry Head Conservation Manager) and Torbay Council officers.

Footprint Ecology has extensive experience at Berry Head and has produced management plans, including stakeholder consultation processes, for a wide range of nature sites across southern England, the majority of which contain significant heritage features. The practice also has a strong national profile for its work on strategic planning and visitor mitigation.

How can you get involved?

Residents and visitors can help shape the plan by filling in our online survey.

Your feedback will help us understand how people currently use the site, visitor concerns and ideas for improvement. The response to the survey will help to shape the priorities of the plan and the development of related mitigation measures.

Fill in our online questionnaire

Community engagement

We will be holding a public drop-in event at Berry Head Visitor Centre on Tuesday 28 April from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

The informal drop-in session will include information displays, staff available for questions, and guided walks which will explore key issues. Attendees will also be able to complete the questionnaire during the event.