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.
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 Devon Birds for a guided summer birdwatching walk at Seaton Wetlands, exploring one of East Devon's most rewarding wetland nature reserves. With a mixture of marshland, reedbeds, ponds and the Axe Estuary, the reserve provides an excellent habitat for a wide variety of resident and visiting birds.
August is an exciting time for birdwatching at the wetlands, with wildfowl and early returning waders beginning to appear as autumn migration gets underway. Keep an eye out for unexpected visitors too, with the possibility of spotting an Osprey passing through or hunting around the estuary.
Led by Roger Jewell, this field event runs from 9:30am to 2:30pm, giving plenty of time to explore the reserve and see what turns up throughout the day. Participants should bring binoculars, suitable outdoor clothing and a packed lunch. Devon Birds welcomes both members and non-members to its events, making this a great opportunity to discover the wildlife of Seaton Wetlands alongside other local birdwatchers.
Join Devon Birds for a guided day of birdwatching around RSPB Exminster Marshes and the Powderham Church area, exploring two excellent locations for summer migrants, wetland birds and returning waders.
The morning begins with an approximately 5km walk along the paths and tracks around Exminster Marshes. At this time of year, Swallows and House Martins can gather in impressive numbers as summer migrants begin to depart, while the marshes provide opportunities to see breeding wetland birds and a variety of passage migrants. There's also the possibility of an Osprey making an appearance as birds move through the area.
In the afternoon, the group will relocate to the Powderham Church area before walking towards Turf to watch for waders returning to the exposed mud as the tide recedes. August can produce some interesting and unexpected sightings at both locations, making this a particularly exciting time to explore the Exe Estuary. Participants should bring binoculars, suitable outdoor clothing and footwear, and be prepared for a full day outdoors.
Discover some of North Devon's fascinating nocturnal wildlife during a special Bat and Moth Evening at Broadeford Farm near Braunton. Organised by the Barnstaple & District Devon Wildlife Trust Local Group, this evening event offers the chance to experience the wildlife that emerges as daylight fades.
Broadeford Farm is home to a variety of moths and bats, and the evening will use moth traps to reveal some of the different species attracted to the garden. As darkness falls, bat detectors will also be used to listen for and help identify bats flying and feeding around the farm, offering a fascinating introduction to two groups of wildlife that can easily go unnoticed during the daytime.
Suitable for families, beginners and experienced wildlife enthusiasts, the event begins at 7:30pm and continues into the evening. Booking is essential and they ask for a donation of £3 in cash on the day if possible.
Participants should bring a torch, wear sturdy walking shoes or wellies and bring waterproofs and extra layers suitable for spending time outdoors after dark.
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.
Learn more about the birds visiting your garden with an informative Garden Birds talk from the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society at Trerice House and Garden near Newquay.
Taking place from 11:00am to 12:30pm, the session offers an accessible introduction to the birds you might encounter closer to home. Discover more about identifying common garden visitors, learn about the species to look out for and build your knowledge of the birdlife that can be found right outside your window.
The talk is suitable for anyone with an interest in birds and nature, from complete beginners to more experienced birdwatchers looking to expand their knowledge. The event itself is free to attend, although normal admission charges to Trerice apply.
