Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve

Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve is the largest natural freshwater lake in the southwest of England. Separated from the sea by a narrow strip of shingle beach known as Slapton Sands, the lake is bordered by reedbeds, marshes, and woodland, creating rich habitats that support a wide variety of birdlife.

Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the reserve is managed by the Field Studies Council in partnership with the landowners Wild Planet Trust, along with Natural England and South Hams District Council. It comprises two main sections: the Lower Ley, the open expanse of water, and the Higher Ley, which is largely dominated by reedbeds.

Breeding waterfowl include garganeys, gadwalls, tufted ducks, pochards, mute swans, coots, and great crested grebes. In winter, the reserve hosts visiting species such as wigeons, goldeneyes, teals, shovelers, little grebes, Slavonian grebes, and occasionally black-necked grebes.

During spring and summer, birdsong fills the air as reed warblers, sedge warblers, whitethroats, blackcaps, and Cetti’s warblers establish breeding territories. Surrounding farmland and hedgerows also support cirl buntings, one of Britain’s most threatened breeding birds, helped by conservation efforts led by the RSPB in collaboration with local landowners.

Seabirds such as fulmars, shags, cormorants, great black-backed gulls, and kittiwakes nest on nearby cliffs and occasionally visit the ley, while offshore sightings might include gannets, sandwich terns, and sooty shearwaters.

Late summer offers good chances to see swallows and sand martins hawking insects over the lake. From October, up to 100,000 starlings gather to roost in the reedbeds, creating spectacular aerial displays known as murmurations. Winter also brings opportunities to spot kingfishers, bitterns, water rails, and bearded tits among the reeds.

The reserve is an excellent location to observe birds of prey year-round, including buzzards, sparrowhawks, tawny owls, and barn owls. Seasonal visitors such as marsh harriers, ospreys, and hobbies are also regularly recorded. In recent years, rare vagrants have included black kites, American black ducks, little buntings, and little swifts.

A network of paths crisscrosses the reserve, which is also part of the South West Coast Path. The Fishing Hut serves as a hub for wildlife information, with a sightings logbook, and details of local walks and trails.

There are two bird hides at the southern end of the Lower Ley: Torcross Hide overlooks the water, while Stokely Bay Hide sits on the opposite bank. A duck feeding area provides an opportunity for children to get closer to the wildfowl, with specialist duck food available to purchase.

While some parts of the reserve are restricted, a permit from the Field Studies Council allows for more in-depth exploration. The Field Centre offers a range of natural history courses for schools, universities, groups, and individuals, along with accommodation. A selection of Field Studies Council fold-out wildlife guides is also available from reception.

Although there are no visitor facilities on the reserve itself, nearby villages such as Slapton and Torcross have plenty of pubs, cafés, and shops. Public toilets are located in Torcross and at Strete Gate, and pay-and-display parking is available at the Torcross, Memorial, and Strete Gate car parks.

Please note, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the reserve, but must be kept under effective control.