Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust

• Service Information
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust is dedicated to the conservation of the natural and built environment  of Torbay and the surrounding area, the provision of recreational facilities and environmental education.  They manage 1800 acres of land including Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Cockington Country Park and Craft Studios, Goodrington Seashore Centre, 6 SSSls and the South West Coast Path through Torbay, and estimate that around 750,000 people use these places each year.

Their mission statement is to protect land, conserve nature and strengthen the bonds between people and the natural world of Torbay.

The Trust has a unique opportunity, given the nature of the land for which it cares and the community that it serves, to establish and demonstrate a more sustainable and richer relationship between people and their environment.

For further information about the Trust, including the following; visit their website.

• Cockington Village & Country Park - General information about the Park including maps and location, events, history, shops and crafts and contact details.
• Berry Head Country Park - General information including maps, location, contacts, wildlife, goats and history.
• Marine - General information including maps, location, contacts, conservation and the Visitor/Field centre.
• Other Sites - These include forest and woodland, farmland and the South West Coast Path.  Walks/access is available on some of these sites.
• Education - Rangers available to help with field trips, roadshows, trips to the Visitor/Field Centres, activity sessions, etc.
• Wildlife
• Volunteers
• Supporting the Trust
• About the Trust - Includes their mission statement and links to their Strategic Plan and other reports.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I get to Trust Sites?
Information appears on Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust's website.

What are the charges and opening times?
All Trust sites are free to enter. Charges are made for car parking. Opening Times - Cockington Country Park is open from dawn until dusk, with Cockington Court open from 10 am until 5 pm. The craft studios take one day off a week, often a Monday, so it is advisable to phone first before making a special journey. The Berry Head Visitor Centre and Seashore Centres are generally open from Easter until Sept/Oct.

Why do they graze the sites?
Many of the sites are nationally important for the flora and fauna. If left to nature, Blackthorn, Wild Privet and Bramble would encroach on these areas and smother other species. To date the balance between scrub (feeding and nesting for birds) and grassland (flowers and insects) has been managed by cutting, but this is expensive and time consuming. By using goats, sheep and ponies they can manage this at a pace that everything can adjust to, doesn't burn fossil fuels and doesn't produce lots of material needing disposal. They additionally employ a stockman who oversees the welfare of all their animals.

How do I get involved in the Trust?
Involvement with the Trust can range from coming to one of their events, joining as a Member or helping as a volunteer. You can pick up one of their Events Diaries from one of their sites, your local library or ask to be put on their mailing list. See the Trust website for details of joining, or e-mail them at info@countryside-trust.org.uk. To find out about volunteering opportunities either e-mail or phone the main Trust office on 01803 606035.

How can I find out more information about accessibility?
To request any additional accessibility information please contact the service provider direct. Outside these hours, the Roving Ranger can be contacted on 07979 507691. Berry Head can be contacted on 01803 882619. The Seashore Centre can be contacted on 01803 528841.