Looking towards the Yealm from Wembury (Credit Andy Stevens)
Located along a stretch of rocky coastline with patches of sand and coarse sediment this recommended MCZ is a magnet for marine wildlife.
At only 6.5km this small recommended MCZ is entirely intertidal.
Lying between Wembury and the Yealm Estuary, this small recommended MCZ is entirely intertidal. The area is located along a stretch of rocky coastline with patches of sand and coarse sediment.
The rocky reefs east of Wembury in South Devon are a wildlife magnet. Its rocky cliffs are home to nesting seabirds, while the rocky shore, slate reefs and massive wave-cut rock platforms provide one of the UK's best spots for marine plants and animals.
This recommended Marine Conservation Zone is ON HOLD at it was recommended as a Reference Area.
We need you to urge Defra consider extending the boundaries of this site to include the seagrass beds and that these are protected with the designation of this site as an MCZ.
This site has been proposed as a Reference Area (highly protected MCZ) by Defra. Defra are now reviewing the designation of such site and The Wildlife Trusts will input into this review. However, it is our view that this site could still make an important contribution to an ecologically coherent network. The site sits within the boundary of Plymouth Sound and Estuaries Special Area of Conservation. However, this protection does not extend to the seagrass beds found within the area.
Therefore we recommend that the boundaries of this site are extended to include the seagrass beds and that these are protected with the designation of this site as an MCZ.
Other nearby MCZs
Devon Avon Estuary Erme Estuary
Location map
Mouth of the Yealm recommended MCZ is located in the map below.
Contains UKHO Law of the Sea data. Crown copyright and database right and contains Ordnance Survey Data Crown copyright and database 2012
Downloads
| Filename | File size |
|---|---|
| Mouth of the Yealm.pdf | 540.18 KB |