On a wall in a cafe by the river in Dartmouth is a map of wild treasures waiting for you to discover. From butterflies and beetles to seabirds and seals you can share and learn about the incredible wildlife right on your doorstep.
Situated on Dartmouth’s vibrant waterfront, Coastal Trail Cafe has become more than just a place to enjoy great coffee and coastal views—it’s now a hub for environmental awareness and community spirit. Inspired by BeWild, a community interest company dedicated to bringing the natural world back into our consciousness, Coastal Trail Cafe has proudly launched its own interactive community wall. Designed to ignite curiosity and spark meaningful conversations, the wall invites visitors to post their wildlife discoveries and get inspired by the natural wonders they can find in the area.
The initiative was launched in style, with a week of celebrations that placed wildlife and community firmly at the heart of the cafe’s mission. Partnering with respected environmental organisations including National Landscapes, Barn Owl Trust and Till the Coast is Clear, the cafe welcomed customers to learn first-hand about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Highlights of the Wild Week included discovering that seals have unique markings much like fingerprints, that we have nationally rare and significant invertebrate species along our coast path and the crucial role of seaweeds in protecting our shorelines. Even on rainy February afternoons, the cafe was packed—proof of the growing enthusiasm for connecting with and protecting our local wildlife.
BeWild, founded by local naturalist and biodiversity champion Victoria Benns, is on a mission to address the growing crisis of biodiversity loss. While conversations around plastics and climate change are commonplace, the steep decline in species across the UK—highlighted in the State of Nature Report 2023—now demands our immediate attention. BeWild provides a simple yet powerful way for businesses to play their part in generating a wilder conversation, offering thoughtful projects that bring nature into the heart of community life.
Coastal Trail Cafe’s commitment to people and the planet is a shining example of how BeWild businesses are stepping up and making a positive difference. For Coastal Trail Cafe, the interactive wall is just the beginning. By encouraging visitors to share their wildlife sightings—from nesting seabirds to coastal wildflowers—the cafe has become a focal point for raising awareness and nurturing a collective sense of responsibility for local habitats. Every shared photo, every wild conversation sparked over a coffee, will help foster a deeper connection between our community and the environment. The cafe is also collaborating with Brya who inspire people to get out into nature and with Till the Coast is Clear who take hands-on action to clean up our precious coastline.
BeWild’s growing network of businesses, naturalists, and volunteers is already creating a ripple effect. As more enterprises like Coastal Trail Cafe, Blackpool Sands and Brya join the movement, the potential for lasting positive change becomes ever more tangible. The project demonstrates that with creativity and commitment, even small businesses can be a catalyst for environmental change.
Coastal Trail Cafe has woven biodiversity into its very identity, proving that sustainability can be celebrated alongside community, good food and a love for the outdoors. Thanks to BeWild’s inspiring work, this welcoming riverside cafe is now a beacon for those who want to explore, protect, and celebrate the wild beauty of the Devon coast.