Berry Head is a stunning headland at the Southern end of Torbay. It has a lighthouse, a Napoleonic Fort and panoramic views across Torbay.
Berry Head is Torbay’s most designated heritage site. It is recognised as being:
- a Special Area of Conservation
- a National Nature Reserve
- a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
- the site of a Scheduled Ancient Monument
- part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- one of the many areas that contribute to Torbay enjoying UNESCO Global Geopark status
The area is enjoyed by:
- walkers
- geologists
- ecologists
- anglers
- other recreational users
The Guillemot colony is the largest on the South Coast. It is protected by the only Area of Special Protection in the UK. This prohibits boats from entering the cove during the breeding season.
The headland is popular with anglers. Ledges at the base of the cliffs provide excellent platforms for anglers. These give access to deep water which contains many species of fish. It is, however, most popular for mackerel, which can be caught in large numbers.
The geology of the area is of international importance. It brings people from all over the world. It is also important for leisure and tourism in Torbay. Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (TCCT) manages Berry Head.
The problem
Unfortunately, over the years, the area has been misused. This has resulted in large amounts of litter in the area. This is often waste left over from activities that occur when angling, such as:
- picnics
- BBQs /campfires
- camping equipment
- general litter
Most people enjoying Berry Head are responsible and have respect for the environment. Unfortunately, a number of people are ruining the area and risk the site closing to the public. We have worked with a range of organisations and individuals to address these issues.
The solution
As a result of this continued anti-social behaviour, we consulted with interested groups, organisations, and the public, on a new PSPO. After receiving overwhelming support, the new PSPO will cover both Hopes Nose and Berry Head. It comes into force on 9 June 2023 and runs until 31 December 2024.
The aim is to ensure that Berry Head remains open and accessible for all who wish to enjoy the area responsibly. It will provide more enforcement options to tackle the anti-social behaviour that has come to define the area for many years.
Fishing
Fishing at Berry Head is still allowed. It is an excellent and famous angling location and we want to keep it that way. A limit to the number of mackerel you can catch means:
- you have a reasonable personal consumption allowance
- large numbers are not being removed
All anglers consulted have been supportive of this approach.
It is a short-term measure. This is so we can put in place permanent and effective management of these spaces.
How you can help
If you would like to volunteer to help keep Berry Head clean and tidy, you can contact TCCT by:
- calling 01803 520022
- emailing info@countryside-trust.org.uk
You can also help by reporting any issues you see to TCCT using the contact details above.
The more people that speak up about these issues the better. We can then target our efforts more effectively and efficiently. This means the PSPO can be enforced where necessary.
Conditions of the order
The PSPO imposes certain conditions on all people who visit and use the area.
The Order prohibits and requires the following in the area outlined in red on the map:
- No individual shall be permitted within the areas edged red on the attached map to catch more than 20 mackerel within any 24 hour period. Any surplus mackerel must be returned to the sea immediately.
- At the request of an Authorised Officer, an individual must show all caught fish to that Officer for inspection (an Authorised Officer is an Officer of Torbay Council, Devon & Cornwall Police, Inshore Fishing and Conservation Authority and/or Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust and any of these organisation’s representatives).
- An individual shall immediately leave an area edged red on the attached map when directed to do so by an Authorised Officer and must not return to that area within 48 hours of that direction.
- No camping shall be permitted at any time within the areas edged red on the attached map.
- No individual shall be permitted to erect a tent, shelter, bivouac or anything of a similar nature within the areas edged red on the attached map.
- No individual shall drop, deposit or leave any form of litter or waste within the areas edged red on the attached map.
- No individual shall be permitted to light a fire, barbeque or anything of a similar nature within the areas edged red on the attached map.
- No individual shall be permitted to be associated with a fire, barbeque or anything of a similar nature within the areas edged red on the attached map.
- No individual shall intimidate, obstruct or interfere with another individual's enjoyment of the areas edged red on the attached map.
- No individual shall remove, damage or interfere with minerals or rock from any rock platform or rock structure within the areas edged red on the attached map.
It is an offence for a person without reasonable excuse to engage in an activity that is prohibited or required within the paragraphs of the Order. A person found to be in breach of the Order is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale or a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100.
