Torbay
is a hot-spot for wildlife – its warm climate, unusual
geology and sheltered aspect mean that many species flourish
here that are more used to Continental temperatures! Specialist
plants live on the thin, dry limestone soils; unusual marine
life inhabits underwater reefs and submarine caves; rare
birds find homes on our cliffs and farmland fringes; and
invertebrates like the Jersey Tiger moth provide a splash
of colour in gardens and nature reserves alike.
KEY
FACTS
English
Nature has classified Torbay as a “Prime
Biodiversity Area”, one of 120 across the
country.
There
are 12 nationally important Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI) in Torbay
10%
of the national population of Cirl Buntings breed
in Torbay
The
waters of Tor Bay are designated a Sensitive Marine
Area; 77% of the coastline is designated as SSSI
or County Wildlife Site (and the Trust protects
the majority of these sites)
Torbay
is an internationally-acclaimed geological site – rock
formations discovered in Torquay gave the “Devonian” era
of geological time its name.
Ten
nationally rare plant species are found in Torbay
and 28 nationally scarce species.
Despite
its mainly urban character, 46% of Torbay is undeveloped.
This
nationally important wildlife and earth heritage
resource needs careful stewardship. Wildlife is
everywhere around us and it takes a co-ordinated
effort by all of us in the Bay to be aware of what’s
here and how to take better care of it. To help
this happen, the Trust is co-ordinating Local Biodiversity
Action Plans. These Plans bring together partnerships
of interested groups and focus effort on the most
important habitats and species in an area.
The
Torbay Local Biodiversity Action Plan
The Torbay Biodiversity translates
the national and regional priorities into local
action. It is also an opportunity to promote
the conservation of species and habitats characteristic
of Torbay.
