24 Aug Discover the Small Wonders of the South Devon Coast this Summer
Life on the Edge invites visitors and local communities to seek out a trail of inspiring outdoor artworks celebrating some of South Devon’s rarest wildlife.
Visitors exploring the South Devon coast this summer are being encouraged to discover a collection of unique artworks hidden across some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes.
The Life on the Edge project has unveiled five new “Small Wonders” installations for 2026, transforming locations across the coastline into destinations for art, nature and discovery. Each one-off artwork has been inspired by the extraordinary plants, pollinators and invertebrates that make South Devon’s coastline so special.
Life on the Edge is a partnership project led by South Devon National Landscape working to restore populations of more than 30 of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and plants along the South Devon coast between Berry Head and Wembury. Thanks to funding made possible by National Lottery players, the project is helping to safeguard species including the UK’s last known colony of the Six-banded Nomad Bee (Nomada sexfasciata).
The Small Wonders trail brings these conservation stories to life through creative installations that encourage people to look more closely at the often-overlooked wildlife found along the coast. Developed in collaboration with local artists, community groups and project partners, each piece offers a fresh perspective on the landscape while inspiring curiosity about the species that call it home.
This year’s five installations can be found at:
- Wembury Beach
- Kingston (Erme Estuary)
- East Soar, near Salcombe
- Berry Head
- Paignton Library
The artworks will remain in place throughout the summer into the autumn until 31st October, giving everyone plenty of opportunity to explore the trail. In addition, two Small Wonders from previous years remain available: one on the coast path behind Coleton Fishacre and another accessible online.
Stuart, Life on the Edge Communities Officer, who led the development of the installations, said: “We’re so delighted to have a full set of Small Wonders out along our coast this summer. It’s been a pleasure to work with a diverse range of artists and link with communities across South Devon to produce these very different artworks. We really hope people enjoy discovering them, along with the incredible landscape that they sit in.”
Many of the artworks were created with members of local community groups and with support from the National Trust South Devon. The collaborative approach has enabled local people to contribute their creativity while connecting more deeply with the area’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes.
Annie Bodmer, staff member at Kingsbridge Community College who were a partner in the Biofluorescence Photography described it as “A fantastic project,”
Whether you’re a resident looking to discover somewhere new or a visitor enjoying the South Devon coast, the Small Wonders trail offers a fun and engaging way to explore the landscape while learning more about the rare species that depend on it.
Can you find all five Small Wonders this summer?
For details of all current installations and to plan your Small Wonders adventure, visit:
