NORTH DEVON BIOSPHERE AREA

The North Devon Biosphere Reserve's area extends from the catchments of the Rivers Taw and Torridge with its core at Braunton Burrows sand dune system.

Click on the map below to see the three management zones in more detail.
North Devon Biosphere area map
Map of North Devon's Biosphere Reserve showing the three Management Zones
The Biosphere Reserve has 3 zones:
  • The Core Area - Our Core Area is Braunton Burrows which is a sand dune system designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  Our vision is for the Core Area of Braunton Burrows and its part of the estuary to be managed and maintained as a world-class exemplary mix of dynamic coastal habitat features. It will be used as a study area for conservation of these types of habitats and activities that positively promote their conservation.
  • The Buffer Zone - Our buffer zone largely consists of the Taw Torridge Estuary as far as Barnstaple and Bideford. Our vision is for this area is for careful management of natural and cultural resources that ensures that communities can enjoy access to the natural environment and a cultural landscape maintained by local people.
  • The Transition - Our transition zone is formed by the catchment area of the rivers and streams that drain to the North Coast of Devon. Somewhat unusually, it also includes an area of sea as far out as Lundy. Our vision is for the area to be one where the community thrives through effective participation in developing sustainable lifestyles that are reflected in the enhancement of the environment in which they live and work.
  • The area of North Devon's Biosphere Reserve is 3,300 square km. It is home to about 150,000 people.
Biosphere total area = 1468 mi²
Core area = 13.37 km²
Buffer zone =  33.1 km²
Transition zone = 5214.86 km²
 of which 2300 km² is marine.
Network of World Biopshere Reserves
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