North Devon is the UK’s first World Surfing Reserve!
Our team had a fantastic time at the inauguration ceremony and plaque unveiling on Friday 12th May 2023 to celebrate North Devon becoming the UK’s first World Surfing Reserve! 
North Devon World Surfing Reserve is a community-led organisation that protects local surf breaks and their related ecosystems to conserve the surfing experience and natural areas. We are are all united as we commit to protecting our special area forever.
It was also fantastic to see so many people there including our friends at Plastic Free North Devon who Byron Woolacombe Holidays continue to support and advocate in their mission to protect and improve our environment through community-led action.
Huge congratulations to all involved to make this a reality. A fabulous day all round! 
#wavesforallforever #savagewaters #plasticfreenorthdevon #woolacombebeach #northdevonsurfreserve #savethewavescoalition
What is a World Surfing Reserve?
The WSR recognises the quality of the surf as well as the sport’s importance to the wider community. The WSR programme was launched in 2009 in California with the aim of “protecting surf ecosystems around the globe”. The North Devon coast already has Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty protection and an area around Braunton Burrows is a Unesco Biosphere for its landscapes, wildlife areas and cultural heritage. The reserve covers about 30km (19 miles) of coastline.
A WSR spokesperson said: “Its high density of outstanding surf, at iconic breaks such as Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe, and Lynmouth, caters to wave-riders from beginner to expert and a variety of surfing styles.”
“We are really excited about it, North Devon is a very special place.” North Devon surfer Kevin Cook, who proposed making the area a surfing reserve, said: “We are delighted to have this remarkable coastline recognised for its quality surf and precious ecosystem. “We can now work together to protect this area for generations to come”.
4 minutes from bed to beach!
Looking for self-catering holiday rentals in Woolacombe? Byron Woolacombe Holiday Apartments are perfectly situated in Woolacombe Village to allow you quick and easy access to a fantastic number of beaches. Once you are parked up take the short walk down Sandy Lane and follow the path (& the sound of waves) to either Woolacombe, Putsborough, Barricane or Combesgate Beach.
Sandy toes guaranteed in less than 4 minutes!
