devon LOVES dogs

A free membership scheme for dog owners and dog walkers

Wildlife wonders

Whether your dog loves to dig holes in the sand, fetch sticks in the woods or sniff and swim, there really is something for everyone in South East Devon.

But, whilst all this fun is taking place, a huge variety of rare and protected wildlife lives, rests and feeds on our precious coast and countryside. Here you can find out more about these special places and how we can all help to protect them.

East Devon Pebblebed Heaths

Pebblebed Heaths

This area is made up of a number of different commons; Woodbury, Bicton, East Budleigh, Colaton Raleigh, Hawkerland, Aylesbeare, Harpford and Mutters Moor. This totals over 1400 hectares of lowland heath, the biggest single expanse of this type of habitat in Devon and one of the most important conservation sites in Europe!

The Pebblebed Heaths are a great place to explore with our dogs but they also support over 3000 species of wildlife, with dartford warbler, nightjar and stonechat being key bird species. Insects such as the southern damselfly and silver studded blue butterfly and reptiles such as adder, grass snake and common lizard also live across the heaths.

You can download more information on the wildlife on the Heaths and information on walking your dog.

A large proportion of the site is owned by Clinton Devon Estates and managed by the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust and the RSPB. Devon Wildlife Trust also own and manage two reserves. Natural England provides guidance on the management and protection of the site.

Read more about the Pebblebed Dog code.