Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary SSSI and Local Nature Reserve, Salcombe, South Devon
Marine Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve
Explore the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary and you'll come across information boards describing the area. One, in Salcombe, reads: 'The unusually sheltered and fully marine conditions support a particularly rich variety of habitats and wildlife, and the estuary has been designated as a marine Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve. Its conservation management is co-ordinated by Salcombe Harbour Authority's marine ecologist.' The UK government department DEFRA refer to this as the Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary SSSI and Local Nature Reserve.
Location of the Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary SSSI and Local Nature Reserve
The Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary SSSI and Local Nature Reserve extends from the mouth of the estuary by Bolt Head up past Salcombe to South Pool, Frogmore and Kingsbridge. Refer to the map on DEFRA's website via Google.
Directions and parking for the Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary SSSI and Local Nature Reserve
We'd recommend exploring the estuary from either Salcombe or Kingsbridge. The A381 takes you to Salcombe. The A379 is the main road into Kingsbridge.
For parking in Salcombe, use Shadycombe Road Car Park (3 hours only in the summer) or Creek Car Park (long stay). These are both within short walking distance of Fore Street, The Ferry Inn and Salcombe's waterfront. In high season, we'd recommend using the Park and Ride car park on the A381 approach road into the town.
For parking in Kingsbridge, use The Quay Long Stay Car Park on the west side of Kingsbridge Quay.
Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary SSSI and Local Nature Reserve
Look out for seals, dolphins and kingfishers. Underwater, hidden from view, are seagrass jungles, corals and sponge gardens.
To learn more about South Devon's marine habitats, head to Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium. Wembury Marine Centre is great as well.
Other nature reserves in the local area
Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve is located east of the Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary SSSI and Local Nature Reserve.
Berry Head National Nature Reserve is to the north east by Brixham at the southern end of Tor Bay and The English Riviera.
Wembury Marine Centre is to the west.
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve is up by the mouth of the Exe Estuary.
East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve is on the edge of Dartmoor near Bovey Tracey.
Wistman's Wood National Nature Reserve is in the heart of Dartmoor.
Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve is situated below Dartmoor's highest ground at High Willhays and Yes Tor.
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