Northam Burrows Country Park

About

Northam Burrows Country Park is a beautiful expanse of common land popular with visitors throughout the year. Situated at the mouth of the Taw/Torridge Estuary, the Burrows is surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery and is part of the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The park also lies within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest that is home to many rare plants and animals.

Torridge District Council manages Northam Burrows as a country park and access is provided year round. With 253 hectares of countryside to explore the Burrows is perfect for walking. Dogs are welcome but need to be controlled around wildlife as well as the sheep and horses that graze the coastal pasture. Golf is another popular pursuit. The Royal North Devon Golf Club has the oldest links course in England and have played on the Burrows since 1853. Pedestrians are able to cross the course, but please be aware of games being played.

The Pebble Ridge is a famous natural landmark that runs along the western edge of the Burrows and protects it from the sea at high tide. At low tide the sea retreats to reveal the golden sand of Westward Ho! beach that stretches over 2 miles. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for excellent water quality and facilities. It is lifeguarded in the summer with typically calm waters suitable for swimmers and people learning to surf.

‘Potwalloper’ is a local term that originates from 1701 when the right to vote depended on owning a second fire place for cooking (to boil a pot!). In 1716 this status was linked with the right to graze livestock on Northam Burrows. Common grazing is a practice that remains today and is something that has helped to preserve the park’s unique environment.

Northam Burrows consists of several habitats perfect for novice and expert nature enthusiasts. Rockpools at the southern end of Westward Ho! beach hide all sorts of creatures amongst the seaweed and underneath pebbles. Shore Crabs, Prawns and Blennies dart about the pools while Anemones, Mussels and Limpets stick to the rocky shore.

The sand dunes of Northam Burrows are home to some rare and wonderful plants. Water Germander and Sea Stock are only found here and a few other sites in England. Meanwhile lizards are commonly seen basking in the sunshine and Skylarks soar above their nests in tussocks of Marram Grass.

The salt marsh is locally known as the Skern and attracts hundreds of wading birds feeding on the creatures found buried in the mud. Curlews, Oystercatchers, Redshanks and Dunlins use long beaks to dig out their meals. In the winter Brent Geese patrol the shoreline eating the algae. Other rare and occasionally exotic species can be found on this fantastic feeding ground; drawing bird watchers from all over the country.