In a world buzzing with activity, connecting with nature isn’t just about time outdoors it’s about what you do when you are there. Whether spotting wildlife, tuning in to birdsong, or capturing nature’s beauty, each interaction brings you closer to the natural world.

Our “60 things” guide is your passport to the East Devon National Landscape and beyond. From daily commutes to park weekends, these ideas suit everyone, everywhere. No age limit exists for experiencing nature – curious newcomer or seasoned explorer, there’s something here for you.

Start your nature adventure here!

1. Plan outdoor playdates

Whatever your age, an outdoor playdate, get-together, or even work meeting, is a fun way to explore, learn, and develop a deeper appreciation for nature – set a time limit, choose a place… and play!

*Top Tip: any of the activities on this page would be perfect*

2. Take indoors, outdoors

Don’t know how to increase your time in nature? Start with what you do know: Take things you might ordinarily do indoors into the garden, the woods or the beach – reading, drawing, Lego, card games, crosswords, even peeling your vegetables!

3. Make some easy nature art

Use natural materials like rocks, sticks, and leaves to create outdoor art or sculpture, that can be washed away by the weather.

4. Invite a friend for a walk

A walking coffee break is the perfect way to catch-up. Get a double boost from connecting with nature and each other.

5. Choose a special 'sit spot'

Find a quiet spot in nature that’s easy to get to regularly. Get comfy, put your phone on silent and tune in (for at least 5 minutes): look, listen, smell, feel. Notice changes in weather, seasons and wildlife with each visit – go every day if you can.

6. Create a photo journal

Take photos of the things in nature that you love – Maybe you love texture and colours, or animals and bugs, beautiful views, trees and clouds – in fact anything that sparks joy or gets your attention in the great outdoors. Why not create an album and share your snaps with family & friends?

7. Draw your nature journey

Follow-up your nature walk or activity by creating a sketch map Inspired by your real-life exploration. Hand-draw your map, including details like landmarks wildlife spotted, trees, and farms. If you walked in a group, does everyone have the same map?

Inspire your inner explorer with activities and challenges

8. Enjoy a short stroll (or a long hike) on the South West Coast Path

From Exmouth to Lyme Regis the coast path will take you through stunning views and historic landmarks all along the Jurassic Coast – a world heritage site.

9. Go for a paddle or dive into sea swimming

Brave the waves for a feel-good boost and make memories surrounded by nature

10. Go on a beach expedition!

Look for seaweed and shells, feel the textures and compare shapes and sizes, or collect driftwood and other natural treasures.

11. Take a boat trip along the Jurassic Coast

See the East Devon landscape from the sea. Look out for dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and wonderful wildlife.

12. Try pond-dipping or rock pooling

Explore nature hands-on and discover hidden creatures and underwater worlds!

13. Make a difference with a beach litter challenge!

Each piece you collect helps protect wildlife and the environment. Join official clean-ups, organise your own, or pick up rubbish on your next outdoor trip, wherever you are going.

We are all connected with nature – just to different degrees

14. Visit the heritage centre in Beer

Find guided walks, fossil collections and wildlife activities to explore the rich history and biodiversity of Beer village and beach.

15. Explore the Exe Estuary Trail

This flat, accessible route is perfect for an adventure on two wheels – or more! Take time to spot wildlife and enjoy the river views.

16. Walk the East Devon Way

Discover hidden gems of the countryside as you walk through the heart of our National Landscape. Public footpaths, bridleways and leafy lanes make up the 40- mile route, a challenge that can be completed in stages.

17. Watch the birds

Sit quietly and connect with nature. No equipment needed just watch how they feed, fly and chatter to each other. Think about how you feel while you are watching. Do you have a favourite?

18. Look out for wildflowers

You can find them in all sorts of outdoor spots: gardens, countryside paths, even on your way to school or in a carpark! How many can you find? And do they smell different? Take a smell walk to find out!

19. Run like the wind!

Be uplifted by jog along a scenic trail or have a blast playing games like ‘tag’ in nature’s wide-open spaces. Feel the breeze, soak in the scenery, and feel alive!

20. Discover Branscombe

Breath taking views, a long pebble beach and the sound of the sea mix with historic cottages, timeless pubs and winding country lanes.

21. Look up at the night sky

See the stars and the moon shine bright. For the best stargazing experience, head to spots away from city lights on clear nights.

Trinity Hill Nature Reserve is a great place for stargazing, known as an official dark skies discovery site.

Top

Back

22. Explore Blackbury Camp

See the surviving ramparts of an iron age hillfort surrounded by peaceful woodland – great for walks and picnics.

23. Visit a museum

Time travel through East Devon’s rich culture at a local museum – where fun and discovery wait for all!

24. Escape to Aylesbeare Common

Have a nature adventure and explore nature trails, ponds and heathland alive with wildlife.

25. Discover tranquillity and wildlife on a woodland walk

Fun trails, chirping birds, and rustling leaves, a nature adventure away from life’s hustle and bustle.

26. Be a bat champion!

1. Plant flowers like evening primrose, oxeye daisy & honeysuckle
2. Keep cats indoors an hour before & after sunset (especially from mid-June to August when bats have their young)
3. Join a guided bat walk to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

27. Listen out for Birdsong

Hear birds sing at dawn and dusk. Wake early or go out at sunset. It’s amazing! You’ll discover a new world of sound and beauty.

28. Experience Otterton's historic charm

Take a walk along the River Otter (where you might spot a beaver family) and explore Otterton Mill, which has been milling for over 1,000 years.

29. Enjoy a visit to a Farmers' Market or Farm Shop

Support local producers & farmers while enjoying the best of seasonal fruit & veg, artisan bread, honey, and other local treats.

30. Indulge in a Devon cream tea

Clotted cream, local jam and fresh baked scones make this Devon tradition the perfect sweet treat.

31. Fantastic fish and chips

After fun on the beach or a nature walk, why not treat yourself to a seaside feast of local fish and chips?

32. Taste locally made drinks

Cider, wine, and organic beer are all grown and crafted right here in East Devon. Visit a local vineyard, orchard shop or brewery.

33. Try a Devon pasty

A tasty tradition, it’s said that the Devon pasty has a top-crimp, and the Cornish pasty is side-crimped.

34. Enjoy a picnic

Take your lunch or snacks to in the countryside, a local park, or on the beach, for a tasty way to connect with nature and your friends or family.

35. Travel in vintage style

All aboard the Seaton Tramway – heritage trams traveling from Colyton to Seaton through wetlands, countryside, and historic villages along the Axe estuary.

36. Visit the Donkey Sanctuary

One of our conservation partners as well as a fantastic accessible place where you can meet rescued donkeys and support a charitable cause & find out more about the other wildlife they support.

37. Reduce waste

Take steps to reduce waste in your daily life, like saving water, avoiding single-use plastics, and recycling.

38. Plant a 'Pollinator Pit-Stop'

Plant pots or gardens at home, school or work to support local wildlife, providing butterflies and moths with the plants they need for survival.

39. Create a hedgehog highway

Making sure hedgehogs can pass freely through your garden is one of the best things you can do to help them.

40. Join a community litter pick event

Or organise your own! Help wildlife, reduce pollution and create a better space for humans.

41. Plant a tree

Participate in community tree planting events across East Devon or explore the Saving Devon’s Treescapes free tree scheme.

42. Zoom in for a closer look

Notice the intricate details of nature & watch insects bustling in their busy miniature world.

43. Be a citizen scientist

Contribute to wildlife projects by observing nature. Have fun while making a difference!

44. Volunteer at a local nature reserve

From conservation tasks & path maintenance, to greeting visitors there are lots of opportunities.

45. Go the scenic route

Stop rushing and take some time. Put your phone in your pocket and pause your thoughts. Connecting with nature is easier when we slow down.

46. Travel sustainably

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

47. Visit THG

Pop along to the Thelma Hulbert Gallery to see how nature and landscape sparks creativity -workshops and events available too.

48. Watch the sunrise and sunset

The colours and scale of the changing sky are a breathtaking sight that will show you nature’s beauty and give you the feel-good factor.

49. Take in a spectacular view

Whether it’s Woodbury Common, Musbury Castle, Fire Beacon Hill, or the coast, stunning views are like nature’s show just for us! Let’s protect these special landscapes together!

50. Get to know a tree

Choose a tree, near where you live or that that you like and see often then notice how it changes through the seasons.

51. Go on a nature hunt

Download our nature hunt challenge and see how many of the nature treasures you can you find on your next nature walk.

Purple heather and yellow gorse on Pebblebed heaths

52. Look at all the different shapes of leaves

Personalities of the tree! When you spend time in nature, see if you can identify trees by their leaves… do you have a favourite?

53. Draw a sound map

Find a place to sit down, close your eyes and listen… really listen. What can you hear? What direction is the sound coming from? If the noise were a word, a drawing, or a colour, what would it be?

54. Take on a nature challenge

Engage with nature every day each June by joining 30 Days Wild, the Wildlife Trust’s campaign.

55. Enjoy a virtual visit to an RSPB Nature Reserve

Explore RSPB Devon’s wonderful reserves with Aylesbeare360, an interactive online tour.

56. Read a nature book

Read a book about nature and discover the magic of the natural world.

57. Share the love

Once you have found special places and favourite things to do in nature, share the experience with friends or family. Encourage the people you care about to make their own memories.

58. Practice creative writing

Try making up three-line stories about favourite rocks, flowers, trees, or insects. Turn it into a postcard for a loved one and share the connection.

59. Create a nature table in you home or garden

Collect fallen treasure seeds, bark, any nature treasure and follow the seasons.

60. Find a rainbow