Torbay Council and its local services company, SWISCo, have launched a public consultation to help shape the future of Berry Head National Nature Reserve near Brixham. Residents, local businesses, and visitors are invited to share their views on how the site should be managed, with the consultation open until 22 May 2026.
The council is working alongside Footprint Ecology to develop a new integrated management plan for the area. This initiative follows the December 2025 liquidation of the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, which had overseen the reserve for 26 years before entering liquidation.
Berry Head is a site of significant heritage, holding multiple national and international designations, including its status as a National Nature Reserve, a Special Area of Conservation, and a UNESCO Global Geopark. The new plan will focus on habitat restoration, the preservation of ancient monuments, and protecting vulnerable species. It will also address long-standing challenges, such as scrub growth, damage from trampling, and the impact of dog fouling on local habitats.
Councillor Adam Billings, the cabinet member overseeing the project, noted the importance of protecting the area for the future. The management plan aims to balance conservation goals with the recreational needs of those who visit the site. This work follows previous efforts to address issues at the reserve, including the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order to manage anti-social behaviour and the temporary closure of the quarry in 2024 due to illegal activities.
Members of the public can learn more and provide feedback through the official Torbay Council website. Additionally, an informal drop-in session will be held at the Berry Head Visitor Centre on Tuesday 28 April 2026, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. This event will include information displays and guided walks to help residents explore the key issues facing the site.
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