As the summer comes to an end across Devon, the nights start drawing in, the sunsets turn more and more beautiful and morning mist hangs over fields.
For wildlife, the end of the summer is a time for slowing down and whilst some may be getting ready for departure as they soon head to milder climes in pursuit of food and warmth there is still plenty busying themselves in our countryside both day and night. This is nature’s time of plentifulness, as the hedges are scattered with berries and creatures start the harvest the summer’s yield to build up reserves for migration or for hibernation.
Wherever in the Devon countryside you are staying there is plenty of wildlife to spot, here are some of our favourite creature’s to look out for:
In the garden: They may be prickly, but are fascinating to watch if you are lucky enough to spot a hedgehog. They are at their most active at night and so are worth looking out for at dusk, when they are starting to search for food.
On the Farm: Swallows are a familiar farmyard sight and sound. Feasting on the flies that are attracted to manure piles and slurry pits, the swallows raise their broods in nests of mud balanced along the beams of farm buildings and can often be spotted darting in and out.
In the river: You’ll need a sharp eye to spot them but Devon rivers are full of Otters. Easier to see will be the sudden flash of kingfishers, the bobbing brown of dippers and the flitting flight of grey wagtails.
In the woodlands: After summer has warmed the woodland it’s worth looking along path edges for butterflies including speckled woods, silver-washed fritillaries and perhaps, if you are lucky, the beautiful, slow-flying wood white.
On the moor: This time of year the moorland comes to life with the sound of skylarks and meadow pipits. Dartmoor also remains one of the last places you are guaranteed to hear a cuckoo’s call.
Beneath the waves: Bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic Grey seals can often be spotted across Devon’s coastlines. Devon’s cliffs and headlands make for great places to try and see them and are also the perfect locations to stay and watch the sun go down.
Relax in our heated swimming pool and slip into the tranquillity of rural life. Spacious comfortable cottage with indoor and outdoor play areas. Quiet but accessible location for Exeter and the M5.
Self catering cottages in the heart of South Devon with lots of animals and excellent child friendly facilities including indoor pool, toddler soft play, walk-in rabbit area & tennis court.
Newly converted barn conversions in Mid-Devon. 20 minutes from the M5 and mainline railway. Peaceful farm stay with wildlife walks on equestrian farm. Hot tub and courtyard. Luxury fittings.
Five spacious real log cabins, beautiful views across Exmoor, fully equipped kitchen, central heating with log burner, safe enclosed garden. Working dairy farm with sheep, pigs and poultry.
A working farm bordered by the River Tale which captures the magic of the countryside - sheep, cattle, free range chickens and working sheep dogs. An idyllic setting with excellent facilities.
Secluded 2 bedroom cottage surrounded by countryside with outstanding views over Exmoor. Abundant wildlife. Close to the coast. Garden, play area. Woodburner. Dogs & horses welcomed. Short breaks.
Close to Jurassic coast on a working farm. Orchard Meadow - an individual converted barn with a large open living space, 3 bedrooms (1 ground floor) 3 bathrooms and enclosed dog friendly garden.
A cream tea greets your arrival at Forda Farm B&B. Close to the Devon and Cornwall border, you are in the perfect place to explore both counties. Enjoy your stay on a family run working livestock farm
Peace, comfort and a warm welcome where we offer the little extras that attract guests back time and time again. 2 miles from Sidmouth seafront. Lovely coastal walks and views from the farm.
Stunning location on the North Devon Coast, escape to this beautiful award winning cottage, Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe on our doorstep! Games room, garden, Couples & families welcome.
Stay in our granite cottages. Climb the hill, you'll love the view. Relax by our heated pool or cycle the beautiful Wray valley trail to Moretonhampstead. Great places to eat in town.
This well equipped Camping Barn is completely self contained and has panoramic views across the farm to the sea. Bigbury on Sea is one mile away and a fantastic location for beach holidays.
Idyllic setting in the Exmoor foothills. Traditional 300 acre family farm. Cottages furnished and equipped to a high standard, offering rural charm, cosy woodburners (free logs), enclosed gardens.
Escape and enjoy the pleasures of the countryside. Delightful cottages nestled on a farm. Friendly animals, ride the pony. Watch the cows milked. Sandy beaches Woolacombe & Croyde. Walk to local pub.
Four comfortable fully equipped cottages. Peaceful setting in beautiful South Hams valley on historic 80-acre working sheep farm. Ideal location for a relaxing holiday
Escape to this beautiful, award winning Medieval Longhouse (beams & log fires) tucked away on a Jacob sheep farm on Tarka Trail near Exmoor, with walks from the doorstep, quality en-suite rooms & WiFi
Enjoy the peaceful Spreacombe Estate, 3.5 miles from Woolacombe Beach. 6 family run cottages and a converted barn meeting room. Dog friendly (except Clematis), Child friendly, Short Breaks or longer.
Traditional single storey cottage on a small farm with calves, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese and ponies. The 2 bedroom cottage boasts a wonderful inglenook fireplace complete with logburner. A Gem!
17th C converted Barn 2 ensuite bedrooms, & a traditional thatched 2 bedroom cottage sleeps 5 in heart of the beautiful Mid Devon countryside. Lots of walks, pubs, relax & unwind on this family farm
Wing of traditional 17th century farmhouse. Working beef & sheep farm close to beaches, moors, coastal path and town of Barnstaple. Master double with en-suite & tv, one twin, one double and family
Modern spacious rooms with luxury bathrooms. All with direct access to our court yard, we have plenty of space for outdoor dining. All set in a secluded valley a short drive from the coast.
Self catering comfortable accommodation in peaceful rural setting. 3 spacious barn conversions with unique charm. High standard & well equipped. On farm, large Oak trees. AONB. 15 mins Jurassic Coast.
A traditionally converted barn on working dairy farm,heart of the Blackdown Hills,peaceful setting, ideal walking, overlooking the Otter Valley,easy reach Sidmouth/ Lyme Regis,York Inn and shop 1 mile
4 newly renovated cottages & cabin sleeping 2-6 in beautiful East Devon hills. Heated outdoor pool, tennis court, games room. Dog friendly. Close to Jurassic Coast/Sidmouth/Lyme Regis.
Delightful cottages on working Dairy farm, explore the area for fantastic coastline, wonderful moorland, visitor attractions, local foods and many family events. Children love the calf feeding.
Camping - Escape, away from it all, to this beautiful farm, with woodland, pasture and a pond where you can camp exclusively on your own enjoying total solitude & escapism. Each pitch has own bathro
Stunning Manor & charming Country Cottages, on the edge of Dartmoor. Sleeps 2- 24 ideal for families of all ages/sizes. Play area/barn, wifi, woodfires, animal feeding, acres of space, farmshop+ pub.
Award winning cottages set in unspoilt countryside overlooking the sea - minutes from the golden sandy beaches at Woolacombe, Saunton & Croyde and a short walk from Lee Bay and the Grampus village pub
Smallicombe Farm is set in an idyllic location of 70 acres of pasture and ancient woodland and offers excellent self-catering holiday cottage accommodation on a real working farm in Devon
Four charming apartments in our converted farm barns. Set in the heart of Devon within our working farm, our luxury apartments, sleeping between one and four people are cosy and quiet.
Ground floor apartment will own entry and parking. Superking/twin bed, cooking facilities, TV, settee and ensuite with shower and bath. Free Wi-Fi. Wheelchair accessible. Breakfast Platter available.
A spacious farmhouse and a cosy retreat for two. Set in peaceful surroundings with stunning views, lovely walks and lots of wildlife to see. Ideally situated for visiting the coast, Exmoor, Dartmoor