A charity which cares for thousands of acres of countryside around Torbay is working to create fabulous places for families to enjoy – as well as looking after the precious natural environment, including a rare butterfly
Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust is a charity that cares for nearly 80 per cent of all Torbay’s green spaces. That’s 1,700 acres including Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Cockington Country Park, Occombe Farm and a variety of woodlands, meadows, stunning cliffs and coastline around Torbay.
Occombe, Scadson and Cockington Valley Woods are all cared for by the trust as well as 40 miles of footpaths and bridleways. Its commitment to conservation ensures that Torbay’s beautiful coast and countryside can be enjoyed by residents and visitors while safeguarding native plants and wildlife.
For those who share a passion for Torbay's green spaces and want to contribute to their preservation, joining the trust is the way forward. By becoming a member, you can be part of a community dedicated to defending invaluable ecosystems such as the habitats the trust is preserving in order to protect the rarely seen brown hairstreak butterfly. These include a meticulously tended green haven at Preston Down Road in Paignton.
The trust takes a methodical approach which involves rotating cleared areas and ensuring there's always a variety of young blackthorn - a favourite laying spot for the butterflies. By maintaining a mix of ages of blackthorn, the perfect conditions are created for these delicate creatures to thrive.
A section of the meadow was cleared last year and the trust’s team is delighted to report that many eggs have already been spotted.
Another area was cleared earlier this year and in recent months the young blackthorn has returned, providing the perfect habitat for more brown hairstreak butterflies to lay their eggs this summer.
But it's not just about clearing scrubland. The trust also preserves scrub areas which provide shelter from the elements and ample space for the butterflies to land and lay eggs - even in less-than-ideal weather.
Walking and exploring
Immersing yourself in nature is good for the mind and soul. So why not try out a new woodland walk or take a stroll along a stunning coastal path and discover some amazing wildlife. Inspirational walking routes, areas to explore and highlights to look out for can all be found on the trust’s website.
On the trust’s Occombe Farm site there is a circular 2km nature walk which you can enjoy before paying a visit to the farm’s café to enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch or delicious afternoon tea.
Then pop into the farm shop which is filled with treats and unique gifts from across the South West, in cluding handmade pies, delicious chocolates, local cheese and chutneys and fresh flowers. It’s a good opportunity to put together a perfect picnic or hamper from the deli range for your next expedition. You can also buy gift vouchers for both the café and shop.
Also at Occombe is the Farm Park & Play, where you can cuddle the cutest bunnies and guinea pigs, giggle with mischievous goats and watch the playful grey-faced Dartmoor sheep frolic with their fluffy newborn lambs. There are Shetland ponies, donkeys and ducks all waiting to say hello too.
There’s plenty for all ages to enjoy at Occombe, both indoors or out. It has unique and magical play spaces and you can host a party here, it’s the perfect venue for children aged two to 12 years.
All of the money raised at Occombe Farm helps support the trust’s conservation work. So, by enjoying a good time, you’re doing good too.
Getting involved
Volunteering for Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust is a good way to meet new people, make a difference and enjoy the great outdoors. There’s an array of rewarding roles to choose from including gardening, helping with events and caring for the animals.
Or you could adopt one of the Occombe Farm animals. The adoption packs, which have been carefully designed with a personal touch, start from £35 and last for 12 moths and there’s a variety of animals to choose from including Shetland ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, pygmy goats, boer goats and the greyface Dartmoor sheep.
Inspiring young people
The trust is committed to safeguarding Torbay’s great outdoors so that future generations can enjoy it too, so it works to inspire young minds and show how everyone can make a difference.
It offers fun, customisable learning experiences in areas ranging from a historic country park, the farm, a national nature reserve or on the beach. There are four main sites for group visits, however there are many others that can offer great learning opportunities too and accommodation is available at its residential centre, Warren Barn, at Cockington.
For more information go to
countryside-trust.org.uk
