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News from the Geopark

Community invited to share their views as part of new Berry Head management plan

Residents, visitors and local businesses are being asked to share why they visit and value Berry Head, and their views on its future management, as work begins on the creation of a new, integrated management plan for the area.

Torbay Council and SWISCo are working on a new plan which will guide the future management Berry Head National Nature Reserve (NNR) and the Berry Head to Sharkham Point component of the South Hams Special Area of Conservation.

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

However, it is also subject to a wide range of pressures and management challenges including the impacts of increased recreational use, climate change, and issues such as nutrient enrichment, vegetation encroachment.

These pressures can have a negative impact on the area and mean that a comprehensive management plan is required to support the continued improvement of the site, ensuring it meets the obligations of its designations and remains a nature-rich area where people and heritage are valued.

The new 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. 

It will focus on key priority areas including:  

• habitat restoration and enhancement 
• the preservation of scheduled monuments 
• 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 recreational with conservation goals.

As part of this work, residents, visitors and local organisations are being invited to share their views on how the site is currently managed, any concerns they have, and ideas for improvement.

Feedback will then be carefully reviewed and will help to inform the new plan which is expected to be published in early summer. 

Councillor Adam Billings, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking, said:

"Berry Head is one of Torbay's most unique and cherished green spaces. I'm pleased that, together with SWISCo, we are taking the necessary steps to protect its future.

"By coordinating action and setting out clear priorities for the protection, restoration and enhancement of this site we will not only safeguard it's special features and designations but also ensure it remains a thriving place for nature, heritage and our communities.

"I would encourage anyone who visits Berry Head to share their views."

How to get involved

The public consultation will run from Friday 10 April to 5pm on Friday 22 May 2026, giving everyone the chance to share their views and help shape the management plan.

Feedback can be submitted online through Torbay Council's website or at a drop‑in event at Berry Head Visitor Centre on Tuesday 28 April from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

The consultation and drop-in session are being facilitated by Footprint Ecology on behalf of the council and SWISCo.

Visit the Torbay Council website to find out more and fill in the online survey: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/berry-head-management-plan/