Wildlife – The South West Coast Path

Celebrating National Insect Week – Spotting Insects in Dorset

In celebration of National Insect Week (23rd – 29th June), Catherine Mason (Community Engagement – Dorset) shares highlights from a misty but magical community walk over Ballard Down with the Loft community group. Despite the drizzle, the chalk grasslands gradually revealed a buzzing array of wildlife, from marbled white butterflies to bush crickets and red-tailed bumblebees. As the sun broke through, the wildflower meadows burst into life with thirteen butterfly species and countless other pollinators making an appearance.

Explore Inspired by the Coast

Behind the Lens II

Behind The Lens II provides insight from each photographer about their image, giving viewers an extra dimension to the exhibition on display at London Paddington, 22 May – 19 June 2025. You can view all the winning images plus more at the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition at Paddington Station, London. The exhibition highlights the diversity, beauty, wildlife, heritage, and seasonality of the coastal environment, on and around the South West Coast Path. Thank you to Great Western Railway and Network Rail for their support of the exhibition.

Community Engagement Volunteers

Coast Path Connectors Training Sessions

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our Coast Path Connectors Project; leading walks, preparing for walks and supporting participants when out walking. In this blog written by Alex, our Coast Path Connectors Project Manager, we will be having a look back at our 2024 online training session programme.

Explore Wildlife

Winter birdlife on the Coast Path

Winter is a fantastic time of year for getting out onto the Coast Path and spotting wildlife, particularly along the estuaries and marshes where birdlife is in full swing. Take a look at some recommendations of where to spot birdlife on and near to the Path.

Community Engagement

Coast Path Connectors Torbay Celebrates its 100th Walk

Stuart Riddle, Torbay CPC Project Officer, writes about the evolution of the National Lottery Heritage funded project in Torbay, and the Torbay hub’s 100th walk which took place last week.

Explore Wildlife

The Turn of the Season – Autumn Hiking on the SWCP

As we enter a new season, we reflect on the changing landscape and wildlife that emerges throughout the autumn months. As the days shorten and the temperature dips, we’ve shared some handy tips to help get you trail-ready for autumn.