Tor Bay Harbour

Credit to The Cove Discovery Project

The Torbay Seaside Code for Torquay, Paignton and Brixham

Welcome to the Torbay Seaside Code, where we can all embrace the beauty of our stunning coves and beaches while caring for our precious habitats and diverse wildlife. Here's how we can enjoy these wonders together:

1. Respect wildlife and their homes by giving them the space they need to thrive. Let's allow them to be truly wild by keeping a respectful distance.
2. Keep our coastal areas pristine by removing all litter and taking it back home with us. Together, we can keep the sea and tidal zones clean and protect the environment.
3. Let's be mindful of our individual and collective impact on the places we visit. By considering our actions, we can help preserve these precious areas for everyone to enjoy.
4. Lead by example! In wild spaces, let's be considerate of others and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Also, stay observant of the amazing wildlife around us.
5. Take a moment to listen to the soothing sounds of nature. By immersing ourselves in the symphony of the environment, we can learn more about the incredible life that surrounds us.
6. Remember to keep an eye on the tide so you can stay safe and enjoy the beach without any worries as the water gently rolls in.
7. Be aware and plan appropriately if rough weather is forecast. Powerful waves can be unpredictable.
8. We have amazing views around our beautiful coast so remember to take special care around cliff tops and always keep a safe distance from the tops and the bottom of cliffs - rock falls can happen at any time.

…and finally, enjoy, be happy and share your experiences with others to encourage responsible and positive experiences for all.

When we follow these simple guidelines, we can fully appreciate the abundant beauty that awaits us. Remember, we are all part of this incredible ecosystem, sharing it with a multitude of species. Let's embrace the opportunity to enjoy and protect this area for generations to come.

Together, we can make a positive difference.

Species of interest (in categories of activity):

Out and about…

Grey Seals

Seals can cover many hundreds of miles but you will find them here all year. Be careful and keep your distance, they may look adorable but they are wild animals and can give a nasty bite if provoked

Common Dolphins

The cetacean family includes whales, dolphins and porpoises, all of which you get here in our waters. The common dolphins tend to pass through whilst feeding.

Cormorants

Cormorants are diving birds who eat fish. They are a fascinating bird to watch as they hunt and dive in the shallows around the coast.

In the rockpools…

Snakelocks Anemones

Sea anemones are a group of predatory marine invertebrates (no backbone) found in the shallows and in rockpools.

Hermit crabs

Hermit crabs have adapted to occupy empty scavenged mollusc shells to protect their fragile exoskeletons. They vary in size from very small to around 4cm.

Tompot Blenny

The Tompot Blenny has distinctive frilly tentacles on the top of its head - for which it has been given the nickname “the fish with antlers”!

Snorkling…

Ballan Wrasse

Four common species of wrasse are found here but the Ballen wrasse is the largest and can grow to 51cm. Some have brightly coloured patterns on their fins and body.

Moon Jellyfish

Only six main species of jellyfish are found in UK waters. They are fascinating to watch but keep your distance as some have stinging tentacles which are hard to see.

Seagrass

The only flowering plant to grow in marine environments, seagrass is an incredible ally in the fight against climate change. Globally, it captures carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests!

Common Lobster

Bottom-dwelling lobsters scavenge for dead animals but also eat live fish, small mollusks (snails), invertebrates, and seaweed. The blue lobster is very rare but can be found here.

Common Octopus

Common octopus are intelligent and generally live in rockier areas and in shallow water.The colour of the common octopus changes to adapt to its surroundings and its mood!

Spiny Spider Crab

With long spindly legs and spiny shells, European spider crabs are often covered in algae, giving them a green hairy look! They feed on seaweed, mussels, starfish and anything else they can get their claws on!

Rare – Show stoppers!...

Spiny Seahorse

Both the Short Snouted and the Spiny Seahorse are found here. During the warmer months of the year, they live in shallow, inshore waters, amongst seaweeds and seagrass.

Nudibranch

Nudibranchs, also known as sea slugs, are soft-bodied marine molluscs that lack external shells. There are more than 100 species in UK seas, where they feed on seaweeds, sea mats, sponges, anemones and other nudibranchs. They are often brightly coloured – with some resembling a fireworks display!