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Lynton and Lynmouth – North Devon Biosphere

Small twinned settlements hanging on the edge of Exmoor, cocooned by ancient oak woodland and joined together by the famous Cliff railway that is powered entirely by water. Close to beautiful scenery such as the Valley of the Rocks where you will see features such as Devils Cheesewring and Castlerock.

North Devon Biosphere

Welcombe Mouth

North Devon's Biosphere Reserve is the first of only two 'new style' Biosphere Reserve in the UK. These have core functions of conservation, learning and research, and sustainable development and three different management zones.

Biosphere Reserves are places with world-class environments that are designated by the United Nations to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature. They are places where conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand.

The geographical area of the North Devon's Biosphere Reserve is based on water flowing from its source via the rivers out to sea. The area of land that catches rainfall for a river is known as the catchment and the biosphere catchment includes the wide swathe of countryside, which connects all the streams to the Taw and Torridge rivers which begin high up on Dartmoor and Exmoor. Many small towns: Chulmleigh, Witheridge, South Molton, Winkleigh, Hatherleigh, Torrington, Bratton Fleming and their surrounding villages are in the biosphere and just as important to its existence and well-being as the world-famous Braunton Burrows (at its heart) and of course the coastal area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). The water then flows out to sea affecting sea life around Lundy and beyond.

For more information visit www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk