Have fun in North Devon this summer

37. Check out the crazy creatures in a rockpool

Our Beach Rangers are now in place for the whole summer at Woolacombe. Join them throughout July and August for Rockpool Rambles and see what you can spot in the rockpools of Combesgate beach - a great chance to explore the coast at low tide, searching for crabs and other marine beasts with knowledgeable experts.

July: Sun 1, 3pm*; Tue 10, 10am*; Wed 11, 11am; Thur 12, 12pm; Fri 13, 1pm; Sat 14, 1.30pm; Tue 24, 10.30am; Wed 25, 11.30am*; Thur 26, 12pm; Fri 27, 12.30pm
August: Wed 8, 10am; Thur 9, 11am*; Fri 10, 12pm; Sat 11, 1pm; Wed 22, 10am; Thur 23, 11am; Fri 24, 11.30am*; Sat 25, 1pm; Tue 28, 2pm.

*in partnership with AONB coastal creatures project

Booking advisable. Call the Beach Rangers on 07557 938399. £2 per person. 3 and under free. Rambles last about an hour and a half. Meet by National Trust banner flag on Combesgate beach.

44. Go birdwatching

At a more sedate pace are the planned Tractor and Trailer rides every Tuesday and Wednesday from Mortehoe out to Morte Point and Bull Point to see the seals. This is a beautiful drive. We usually see grey seals in the small coves below, also there’s a chance to see peregrine falcons and kestrels as well as fantastic displays of wildflowers. It is a great place to see some amazing wildlife but also learn about the dark past of wrecking on Morte Point.

To Bull Point – every Tuesday from 17 July - 28 August, to Morte Point – every Wednesday 18 July - 29 August, 10.30am-2.45pm (several departures throughout the day)

Booking advisable (book through Mortehoe Museum 01271 870028). Adult £6 Child £3. Meet outside the museum.

31. Hunt for bugs

August sees the start of the Wednesday weekly fun days at Heddon Valley and Watersmeet (alternating location each week). Children can join the rangers for family fun activities such as making dens and campfires, bug hunting and raft racing. There will be different activities every week.

Heddon Valley Wed 8 & 22 August, Watersmeet Wed 15 & 29 August, 11am-3pm

Booking not needed. Donations welcomed.  

Pick up and go family trails and actvities

There will also be self-led nature trails available at Heddon Valley, Brownsham and Baggy Point throughout the summer, with butterfly and animal clues hidden around the woods and along the coast.

Brownsham family nature trail 27 July – 3 September, any time between 10.30am and 4pm

Can you find the animal clues? This scenic trail starts from the car park at Brownsham, near Hartland Point and winds through beautiful woodland. Pick up your trail map from the car park. Free.

Butterfly family trail, Heddon Valley 27 July - 2 September, any time between 10.30am-3.30pm

The Heddon Valley attracts hundreds of beautiful butterflies. To celebrate them we have created a fun family trail through the valley. Trail maps £1 from the National Trust shop.

Baggy Point coastal trail, Baggy Point, Croyde 27 July - 2 September, any time between 1am-4pm

Can you find all the clues? Enjoy this self-led family trail along the beautiful headland at Baggy Point, and learn more about the amazing coastal creatures that live here. Trail maps £1 from the Baggy Point car park kiosk.