Northam Burrows Country Park
Northam Burrows Country Park lies at the western edge of the Taw Torridge Estuary (GR. 442/308) Lying within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the Burrows forms an integral part of the newly designated United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
The Northam Burrows is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is about 253 hectares of grassy coastal plain with salt marsh, sand dunes and generally unimproved grasslands.
The Burrows provides one of the access points for the two miles of Westward Ho! Beach, thus combining the best of opportunities for land and marine leisure activities. The main ramped access point to the beach is available from the town of Westward Ho!
The Park is open to pedestrians at all times but there are restrictions on vehicles. The Burrows Centre is open from the end of May to early September and the toilet facilities from Easter to the end of October.
Walking Dogs on the Burrows
Following the results of a public consultation where two-thirds of the respondents were in favour, Members on Torridge District Council agreed to implement a 'Dogs on Leads by Direction' Order for the popular Country Park. In practice, this means that if an authorised officer of the Council asks a dog owner to put and keep their dog on lead, they are obliged to do so. Failure to do so would be an offence and could lead to a fine of up to £75.
The introduction of a Dogs on Lead by Direction Order is in response to the issues on Northam Burrows and certainly supported by the majority of the respondents in our recent public consultation.
Council officers authorised to issue such a direction will be clearly identifiable and will only make such a direction if they have reason to believe the behaviour of the dog has caused, or is likely to cause, a nuisance, annoyance or disturbance to any other person, or the worrying or disturbance of any animal or bird.
This new Order will apply all year round and will come into force on May 1st 2013 and you can read it here: 
Dog Control Order for Northam Burrows [188kb]
Further information is available on this web site, or contact Shawn Corin, the Burrows Ranger at:
The Burrows Centre
Sandymere Road
Northam
BIDEFORD
EX39 1XS
Tel: 01237 479708
Email: northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk
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Northam Burrows Country Park is a 253 hectare grassy coastal plain at the mouth of the Taw/Torridge estuary which also includes the world famous Pebble Ridge -
The Park is open to pedestrians at all times but there are restrictions on vehicles. The Burrows Centre is open from the end of May to early September and the toilet facilities from Easter to the end of October . -
The sand dunes are found on the north western side of the Burrows where they separate the Atlantic ocean and the coastal grassland. -
Horses and sheep graze on coastal grassland which makes up about half of Northam Burrows Country Park. -
The seashore is a boundary between the land and the sea and due to this transition creates a very diverse habitat. -
Salt-marsh is an area of mud flat which has vegetation established on it. Salt-marsh is a fragile and constantly changing habitat. -
For school and party bookings ring Bideford 01237 479708. -
Use your SmartPhones on our Audio Trail throughout the Park.
iCM