Galmpton Creek to Maypool

Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust has been working hard to care for the beautiful sites in their charge despite lockdown. Now Occombe Farm Café is getting a major facelift. getting a major facelift.

News

Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s (TCCT) planned refurbishment work on Occombe Farm Café is now well underway. With contractors operating on site, Occombe Farm will remain closed until the building work is  nished – but it will all be worth it!

Damian O er, Chief Executive, Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust explains, “We decided it made sense to undertake these building works before re-opening post-lockdown, rather than having to close again later in the year.”  e Trust is building an extension on the south side, increasing the café’s capacity and expanding its  oor space, which will help accommodate customers with doggy companions.  e kitchen area will be recon gured to improve e ciency. Plus, there will be a new counter and new displays for all the delicious food and drinks on o er. Initially, the increased  oor space will enable the Trust to operate within COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Later there will be potential to add more seating when normal operations are allowed. New toilet facilities will also be provided.  e Trust hopes that all the work will be completed by mid-September and both the café and farm will be able to reopen at the same time.

Sue Gillion, Occombe Farm Café Manager, told us, “We anticipate that a lot of our regular visitors will be disappointed that we will be closed over the summer holidays but we can’t wait to see everyone again when we re-open in September”.  e Café project is part of a much bigger programme to develop Occombe creating a superb new destination for locals and visitors.

Occombe Farm was originally set up to provide a base for TCCT’s farming operation. In 2005, the farm shop and café were added to provide a local food hub and to generate income to fund its vital charitable work caring for Torbay’s natural heritage. All pro ts from Occombe Farm Café go towards the Trust’s work across Torbay.

Cockington Visitor Centre

 e Trust’s popular Cockington Visitor Centre reopened in mid-July. Check the website for opening times. Cockington Country Park, with its fabulous lakes and stunning Memorial Rose Garden, always makes a fantastic (and free) day out.

Berry Head National Nature Reserve

A bird-watcher’s hotspot and home to many rare species, the Trust has been working hard maintaining the paths and open spaces for visitors.  e conservation charity also grazes Soay and Hebridean breeds of sheep; they can reach those awkward heathland places that rangers can’t reach and allow rare plants to  ourish.  e Napoleonic forts are always exciting to visit and the views are quite spectacular. Deer have been spotted here during lockdown. As with all Trust-protected sites, please follow marked paths, ensure your dogs are under control near livestock and take all litter home. Together we can keep the Bay’s treasured beauty spots looking magical – well done us!   countryside-trust.org.uk

The TCCT Team

Time to Buy a Trust Membership?

Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust (TCCT) has increased fees for parking at its sites across Torbay. The change was long overdue, as parking charges had not increased in over 3 years. TCCT is a registered charity and the income raised from car parking charges supports its work in caring and maintaining Torbay’s most precious green spaces. The purchase of an annual £25 Trust membership supports the charity’s work and gives you the option to buy a TCCT Parking and Bene ts Pass for £12.50; this gives you free parking at all TCCT car parks and other bene ts. There’s more information about the TCCT membership scheme on the website: countryside-trust.org.uk/support-us/members