Slapton Ley NNR
The reserve includes the largest natural freshwater lake in south-west England.
County: Devon
Main habitats: Open Water
Area: 192 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Slapton Ley NNR is managed by the Field Studies Council on behalf of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust.
A shingle 'bay bar' separates the lake from the sea. The bar is a nationally important example of this type of feature and demonstrates the links between seabed features and shoreline landforms.
The reserve is the only British locality for strapwort, and has a nationally important population of breeding Cetti's warbler. There are 2,000 species of fungi here, 29 of which have been described as new to science. Slapton Ley is also an important staging post for wintering and passage birds.
The best time to visit the site is between April and October, for birds and wildflowers.
Location and access
Slapton Ley is adjacent the A379, 30 km east of Plymouth, 15 km south of Totnes and 10 km east of Kingsbridge. The nearest villages are Slapton 0.5 km to the west, and Torcross, 0.5 km to the south.
By car the reserve is accessed by via minor roads from the A379. There are car parks on the shingle bar and there is more parking within the reserve.
The nearest train stations are in Totnes and Plymouth. Both are served by First Great Western with additional services to Totnes provided by South West Trains.
Bus services from Plymouth to Slapton via Kingsbridge are provided by First Group.
The reserve is on the route of a national trail, the South West Coastal Path and near Route 28 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Facilities
Refreshments are available in local villages and there are toilets and picnic sites at the A379 car parks. The car park near Torcross has toilets and a hide adapted for disabled access.
There are hides on the reserve and a 2.5 km nature trail. Leaflets and interpretation panels are available for visitor information.
The reserve has a Field Centre that provides courses for people interested in the countryside. The Centre's staff also lead guided walks. For details email the Centre, or telephone 01548 580685.
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