大象传媒

Hope's Nose has been designated by English Nature as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The status recognises the area's geological importance and its rare flora, and offers a degree of protection for the species which thrive in the unique conditions.

The Devonian limestone provides an alkaline soil which is good for types of orchid, including the autumn lady-tresses orchid.

The combination of limestone and salt from the sea also provides the right ingredients for plants and lichens which struggle elsewhere.

In turn, the array of flowers and plants provide a perfect habitat for insects and butterflies, including the common blue butterfly.

Kittiwakes can be seen on the steepest cliffs

Hope's Nose is also a birdwatcher's paradise. The east-facing limestone cliffs provide a safe haven for breeding birds.

Among the species living here are guillemot, kittiwake, cormorants and shags. At certain times of the year, the cliffs are completely covered with nests.

Just like at Walls Hill, you can also see the common blue butterfly at Hope's Nose, too.

And then, under the sea, there are submarine caves and coral reefs thriving in Torquay's warm coastal waters.

There is the sparkling, colourful jewel anemone which can be found in the deeper waters off the Hope's Nose coast, and the Devonshire cup coral.

Families of seals have also made their 'home' here - if you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of them.

But Hope's Nose needs to be looked after properly to avoid loss of habitat. To help maintain the correct conditions, a flock of Soay sheep have been moved onto Hope's Nose to keep the invading scrub and bracken under control.

After visiting Hope's Nose retrace your steps to the Marine Drive - where you should turn left following the road down hill. Signposted to Meadfoot.