Enjoy Devon responsibly
We all love Devon – its two coastlines, its two National Parks, its abundance of Areas of Natural Beauty and conservation areas… It is a real haven for anyone who loves adventure, relaxation, nature and just about everything in between. We want to make sure that it stays that way for future generations to enjoy, so here are some ways you can enjoy Devon responsibly without having to sacrifice the fun.
Respect the environment
In Devon you can find wild ponies on Exmoor and Dartmoor, herds of wild goats and plenty of birds and marine life – you can even spot sharks and seals in the summer months. Just make sure that you respect the natural world and understand that though the ponies on the moors are used to humans, they are still wild animals. While it is always fun to see them, try not to interact with them and if you see an animal in distress, contact the local authority rather than attempting to deal with the situation yourself.
Take all your litter with you
Litter not only causes issues for the animals that live in the area, but it also causes pollution and can endanger other people exploring the area. If you have a picnic or a BBQ, take all your rubbish with you – even if it is recyclable. If it is recyclable, make sure to dispose of it in the right way. Similarly, if you spot litter where it shouldn’t be, pick it up and pop it in the nearest bin, as long as it is safe to do so.
Be aware of private land vs public right of way
Much of Devon is wild and can be enjoyed by everyone, but some areas are privately owned. Make sure to check signs and stick to marked paths. Not only will this protect you from accidentally trespassing but by walking off designated footpaths, you can accidentally damage plant life, some of which is rare and indigenous only to Devon.
Picnic, BBQ, and camp in designated areas
For your own safety as well as for the safety of wildlife and preserving Devon’s natural beauty, make sure to check restrictions on picnics, BBQs, and wild camping. There are some areas of Devon where wild camping is prohibited and there have been issues with wildfires in the past caused by BBQs being used in inappropriate areas.
Know your limits
Devon isn’t known as Mother Nature’s Playground for nothing – it is the place for adventures whether that’s surfing, horse riding, rock climbing or hiking. We want everyone in Devon to have fun but know your limits and prepare accordingly. If you’ve never been surfing before, book a session or two with one of the many instructors that can be found on the coast or if you’re planning a hike around Dartmoor, make sure you have a fully charged phone, sensible shoes, and plenty of water just in case. Our lifeguards and search and rescue teams are incredible, but they are under a lot of pressure and there is a lot of open space to search. So, to avoid an accident, know your limits and be prepared before you set out on your adventure.
Have fun!
Whatever you want to get out of your trip to Devon, whether that’s getting out on the waves, having a relaxing break or a spot of shopping, have fun!