Berry Head - Sharkham Point NNR
The reserve is on the south side of Torbay and comprises two separate areas: the Berry Head promontory (as far south as Durl Head), and Sharkham Point, 11 km south of Durl Head. The two areas are separated by St Mary's Bay.
County: Devon
Main habitats: Coastal, Lowland Grassland
Area: 62 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Berry Head - Sharkham Point NNR is owned and managed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.
Berry Head is an extensive out-crop of Devonian limestone, the north flank of which has been extensively altered by quarrying. Caves at the site provide breeding roosts for greater and lesser horseshoe bats.
The steep seacliffs are home to a guillemot colony and areas of scrub provide breeding sites for whitethroat and cirl bunting.
The reserve's areas of grassland, scrub and cliffside are home to many nationally rare plants including small hare’s-ear, white rock-rose and goldilocks aster. Eight species of orchid can be seen at the site including early purple, green winged, bee, common spotted and pyramidal.
Common dolphin and hardbour porpoise are sometimes seen in the area.
Location and access
The Berry Head reserve is adjacent to the town of Brixham, 6 km south east of Paignton and 8 km south of Torquay.
By car, access is via minor roads from the A3022 and A379. There are two car parks near the reserve, one on Berry Head Common and the other at Sharkham Point.
The nearest train station is in Paignton, and bus services from Paignton to Brixham are provided by Stagecoach Devon.
The reserve is on the route of the South West Coast Path.
Facilities
There are public toilets at the site and a cafe on the reserve provides refreshments during the summer.
There is a visitor centre, open from Easter to late October, providing live CCTV images of the seabird colony, leaflets, snacks and drinks. An unmanned information point is open all year.
Most paths at the site are suitable for wheelchair access but there are some steep sections. For more details telephone the visitor centre on 01803 883262.
