Looking for birdwatching events, wildlife walks, nature talks and outdoor activities across Devon and Cornwall? Our What's On guide brings together upcoming events from around the region, helping you discover opportunities to learn more about local wildlife, connect with fellow nature enthusiasts and enjoy some of the South West's best natural spaces.
June is one of the best months of the year to get out and enjoy the natural world. With longer days, active birdlife and a packed calendar of wildlife events, it's the perfect time to explore Devon and Cornwall's nature reserves, coastal habitats, woodlands and wetlands. This month you'll find a variety of guided walks, birdwatching experiences, wildlife talks and family-friendly activities designed to help you discover the incredible species and landscapes found across the South West.
Join Devon Birds for a summer wildlife walk exploring the Devon Wildlife Trust reserves at Vealand and Dunsdon. These important Culm grassland sites provide a haven for a wide variety of birds, butterflies and other wildlife, making them fascinating locations to visit during the height of the summer season.
The reserves are well known for their rich biodiversity, and participants may have the opportunity to encounter species such as Grasshopper Warbler alongside a variety of other breeding birds and insects associated with Devon's rare Culm grassland habitat. The event offers an excellent chance to learn more about these unique landscapes while enjoying some of the county's most wildlife-rich countryside.
Led by experienced local naturalists, this field event is suitable for anyone with an interest in birds and nature, whether you are an experienced observer or just beginning your wildlife journey. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, suitable outdoor clothing and a packed lunch for the day. Devon Birds welcomes both members and non-members to take part in its programme of events, helping more people discover and enjoy the county's outstanding wildlife.
Join Devon Wildlife Trust for an evening guided walk through the spectacular sand dune landscape of Braunton Burrows, one of the most important dune systems in the UK and a key part of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Led by local expert John Breeds, this circular walk explores the diverse habitats that make Braunton Burrows such a special place for wildlife. June is an excellent time to visit, with the dunes alive with colour from wild orchids and other specialist dune flowers, alongside a wealth of insects, birds and other wildlife that thrive in this unique environment.
Suitable for families, beginners and experienced nature enthusiasts alike, this relaxed evening walk offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about one of Devon's most remarkable natural landscapes. Participants should wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear, as the sandy paths can be uneven in places.
Experience one of Britain's most fascinating birds on this special evening walk with Devon Birds at Wheathill Plantation. Taking place as dusk falls, this guided event offers the chance to search for Nightjars, a remarkable and elusive summer visitor known for its distinctive churring call, agile flight and crepuscular habits.
As daylight fades, participants will explore suitable habitat where Nightjars are regularly recorded, listening for their unique calls and watching for birds as they emerge to feed over the heathland and woodland edges. The event provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about this charismatic species and the conservation of the habitats it depends upon.
Led by experienced Devon Birds volunteers, this evening walk is suitable for birdwatchers of all experience levels. Attendees are advised to bring a torch, wear appropriate outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear, and be prepared for a late finish. Whether you are hoping to see your first Nightjar or simply enjoy a summer evening surrounded by wildlife, this promises to be a memorable field event.
Discover the secret world of bats on this fascinating evening Bat Safari with Devon Wildlife Trust at Parke, near Bovey Tracey. As daylight fades and the nocturnal wildlife begins to emerge, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the different bat species found in Devon and experience the thrill of detecting them in their natural habitat.
The event begins with an introductory talk before heading out around the beautiful Parke Estate. Using bat detectors provided by the organisers, participants will be able to listen to and identify bats as they feed along the River Bovey and surrounding woodland. The walk offers a unique insight into these often-misunderstood mammals and the important role they play in our ecosystems.
Suitable for families, beginners and experienced wildlife enthusiasts alike, this friendly event is led by volunteers from the Bovey Bat Group, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for bats. Participants should bring a torch, dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear, as paths can be uneven and conditions may become cool after sunset.
Join Cornwall Birds for a guided birdwatching walk at Duckpool and Coombe Valley, exploring one of North Cornwall's most scenic coastal habitats. Beginning at Duckpool and following the river and reed beds into Coombe Valley, this walk offers excellent opportunities to observe a variety of summer bird species in a range of habitats.
Keep an eye out for Wheatears along the cliff path, listen for warblers in the riverside vegetation and look for Spotted Flycatchers within the sheltered woodland of Coombe Valley. The route is mostly level, although some sections are narrow and uneven, making sturdy footwear advisable.
These volunteer-led walks are free to attend and are a fantastic way to discover local wildlife alongside experienced birdwatchers. Binoculars are recommended, and a telescope may be useful for more distant sightings. Please check the event details before attending for any booking requirements or additional information.
Join Cornwall Birds for a relaxed and welcoming birdwatching session around Mevagissey Harbour. Suitable for birdwatchers of all experience levels, this free guided walk offers the chance to discover the rich variety of coastal birds that can be found around one of Cornwall's most picturesque fishing harbours.
The harbour and surrounding coastline regularly attract an impressive range of species throughout the year. Previous walks have recorded Purple Sandpipers, Great Northern Divers, Sandwich Terns, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, Gannets, Oystercatchers and Turnstones, alongside many of the common seabirds and gulls found along the Cornish coast.
Led by experienced Cornwall Birds volunteers, this two-hour event is a great opportunity to improve your bird identification skills, learn more about local wildlife and meet fellow nature enthusiasts. Binoculars are recommended, and participants should wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions. Booking is essential, and attendees are invited to stay afterwards for a complimentary tea or coffee, homemade cake and a friendly chat with the group.
Join Cornwall Birds for a guided wildlife walk at Ruan Lanihorne on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula. This free event offers the opportunity to explore one of Cornwall's most rewarding birdwatching locations, with a mix of estuarine habitats, mudflats and surrounding countryside attracting a wide variety of species throughout the year.
Ruan Lanihorne has produced an impressive list of sightings, including Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher, Little Egret, Greenshank and Curlew, along with the possibility of encountering rarer visitors such as Glossy Ibis, Black-winged Stilt and Purple Heron. The area's rich habitats make it an excellent destination for both experienced birdwatchers and those looking to learn more about local wildlife.
Led by knowledgeable Cornwall Birds volunteers, this welcoming event provides a great opportunity to improve your identification skills, enjoy the natural beauty of the Roseland Peninsula and meet fellow nature enthusiasts. Binoculars are recommended, and participants should wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions. Booking is essential, and attendees are invited to stay afterwards for a complimentary tea or coffee, homemade cake and a friendly chat with the group.
Join Cornwall Birds for a guided coastal birdwatching walk at Towan Head, Newquay, one of Cornwall's premier locations for observing seabirds and migrating species. Perched above the Atlantic Ocean, Towan Head offers spectacular views and excellent opportunities to spot a wide variety of birds throughout the year.
Previous visits have recorded impressive species including Great Northern Diver, Purple Sandpiper, Guillemot, Razorbill, Sandwich Tern and Great Shearwater. The headland is also a fantastic place to watch Gannets, Fulmars and Kittiwakes offshore, while Wheatears, Stonechats and Rock Pipits can often be found around the coastal grassland and rocky outcrops.
Led by experienced Cornwall Birds volunteers, this relaxed and friendly event is suitable for birdwatchers of all abilities. It's a great opportunity to improve your identification skills, enjoy Cornwall's stunning coastline and meet fellow wildlife enthusiasts. Binoculars are recommended, and participants should wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions. Booking is essential, and attendees are invited to stay afterwards for a complimentary tea or coffee, homemade cake and a friendly chat with the group.
