Fernworthy is home to Devon’s largest conifer forest, first planted in 1921 by the Duchy of Cornwall, and surrounds a reservoir which provides drinking water to the areas of Torbay, Totnes and Brixham. It has an abundance of archaeology and is a haven for wildlife, including some rare species. Sitka spruce is the dominant species here, however closer to the reservoir there are pockets of old growth deciduous woodland, including many curious examples of ancient sessile oak; their gnarled branches, festooned with moss and draped with beard lichens, give them a mystical, otherworldly appearance.

Around the lake are important wildlife habitats which include rhôs pasture and culm grassland. These wetland habitats are host to a number of very rare species such as the marsh fritillary butterfly and the bee hawk moth which as a result of careful management are thriving at Fernworthy. Birds such as snipe, heron and grebe can be seen year round and often make an appearance in front of the bird hides.

As well as rare wildlife, Fernworthy also boasts a rich abundance of archaeology such as burial cairns, hut circles and old farm buildings.