It’s increasingly recognised that being outdoors can improve our mental health and wellbeing as well as having a positive impact on our physical health. Getting outdoors can lift your spirits, get you moving a bit more, support you meeting new people, developing new interests and better understanding the places, plants, birds and animals all around you in North Devon. Here in the North Devon Biosphere Reserve you are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding spectacular wildlife and environments on your doorstep with Braunton Burrows, a world-class dune system, forming the core area of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, six Local Nature Reserves, and 171 square kilometres of mainly coastal landscape designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Here are some ideas for how you can get out and about in North Devon

1. Walk or cycle along part of the Tarka Trail and explore the Biosphere Reserve from the coast, through river valleys with ancient tangled woodland, to the productive farmland and moorland higher up the catchments. Between Braunton and Meeth you can follow our audio trail or read our interpretation boards to help you discover the heritage, culture and natural features you can see. Horses are also welcome on this part of the Trail between Torrington (Servis bridleway) and Meeth.

2. Enjoy breathtaking views along the South West Coast Path and see why most of our coast is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The AONB team regularly hold guided walks where you can learn more about the wildlife and habitats in North Devon from the people who work to protect them with a group of like-minded individuals.

3. Learn to surf yourself or volunteer to help The Wave Project support children and young people by changing lives through surfing. The Wave Project runs events throughout the year for youth, friends and family, and volunteers of all ages and you don’t even have to get your feet wet if you want to be involved in their activities but stay on dry land.

4. Make a voyage to Lundy on the MS Oldenburg. The spectacular marine life and underwater scenery earned the island the UK’s first Marine Conservation Zone designation in 2010 which focuses on spiny lobsters and overlaps with the Special Area of Conservation that protects the island’s reefs, sea caves and sandbanks along with the island’s population of around 200 breeding grey seals. You can take a day trip or stay on the island and enjoy activities like bird-watching, diving, walking, fishing or climbing. In addition, Lundy's Warden organises a variety of different events throughout the year to help visitors discover, enjoy and appreciate the wonderful wildlife and history of Lundy.

Nature’s Tonic

The Nature’s Tonic project, working across Ilfracombe, Braunton and Barnstaple, has been set up to help community groups and agencies to take their clients outdoors and connect with the nature all around them. This joint project between the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Devon Biosphere is designed to complement social prescribing activity being piloted across three GP areas in Barnstaple, Braunton and Ilfracombe.

If you are part of a social, community, charity or carers group working with adults and would like advice, support and local knowledge to help organise outdoor visits that are safe, fun and sociable you can get in touch with the Nature’s Tonic project for more information: email Suki Coe at suki.coe@devon.gov.uk or phone 01271 388660 | 07817 089330.