Description: Slapton Ley is a lagoon which is separated from Start Bay by a shingle beach, known as Slapton Sands. It is the largest natural freshwater lake in South West England.
It is 1.5 miles long and is made up of two parts (the Lower Ley and the Higher Ley).
The site is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There is a large population of Cetti's Warbler at the site, and Bittern is resident. It is also an important stop over for wintering and passage birds.
The Ley is also home to 2,000 species of fungi , 29 of which have been described as new to science and the rare plant Strapwort is found here.
Slapton Ley has magnificent views and a wide spectrum of interesting wildlife all year round, but the nature of the area changes greatly with the seasons.
Panoramic views of Start Bay are impressive whatever the weather, be it a serene summer sunset over the millpond-flat Lower Ley and coastal water, or a contrasting winter storm with the waves lashing the shingle bar.The flora and fauna around Slapton Ley changes accordingly with the season.
What to look out for:
Otters, mink, badgers and a wide variety of bats can be found at Slapton Ley, as well as over 100 species of birds including a nationally important population of breeding Cetti's warblers, Reed and Sedge warblers and Great-Crested grebes. It is also a good spot to see vast swarms of starlings in the autumn.
Location:
The reserve is next to the A379, 30 kms to the east of Plymouth, 15 kms to the south of Totnes and 10 kms to the east of Kingsbridge. The closest villages are Slapton 0.5 km to the west, and Torcross, 0.5 km to the south. By car the reserve is accessed by via minor roads from the A379. There are car parks on the shingle bar and there is more parking within the reserve.
 
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