Wembury Point
- Voluntary Marine Conservation Area
- Special Area of Conservation
- Site of Special Scientific Interest
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Point has been an important military landmark for the UK because it guards the eastern side of Plymouth Sound. But it is also in the heart of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the site includes Great Mewstone Island an important site for cliff nesting seabirds.
The Trust, which is Britainīs largest owner of coastline, paid Ģ1.4m for the estate - known as HMS Cambridge - after English Nature invoked rarely used powers to force the Ministry of Defence to invite bids from a conservation body. This means the former naval gunnery school will once more be opened to the public, having been closed for reasons of national security since 1940.
For places to stay in Devon, as a base from which to visit Wembury Point and the surrounding area, please see: Country House Hotels in Devon , Coastal Hotels in Devon , Spa Hotels in Devon , Bed & Breakfasts in Devon or Self-Catering Cottages in Devon
Of note at Wembury Point are the rocky shore plants, animals and the coastal sand, shingle and steep slopes of sea cliff grassland and mixed scrub. It is an important site for wintering and nesting birds. The wave cut platform and degraded fossil cliffline are geologically significant. One of Devonīs largest known populations of the rare plant, Shore Dock is found at Wembury.
Flocks of turnstones (Arenaria interpres) and oyster-catchers (Haematopus ostralegus) regularly frequent the reefs as predators, some non-breeders remaining throughout the nesting season. They may be joined by parties of curlew and other waders, especially during autumn passage. Herons and solitary kingfishers fish in the pools and gullies during winter.
National Grid Ref: SX 504 485 OS Sheets: 1:50k 202 1:10k SX54NW, GS Sheet 1:50k 349
Photo Credits:
NTPL/David Noton
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