Occombe, meaning "valley of the oaks", is one of the few isolated blocks of woodland that have survived long term, existing for centuries because of its importance to the local community. The oldest areas of the site predate 1600 and therefore can be classified as Ancient Semi Natural Woodland. Fringed by area of grassland and scrub the woodland is a highly valuable wildlife site within Torbay.

Many ancient plant species are present within the wood including Wood-Sorrel, Moschatel, Pignut, and Yellow Archangel. The woodland supports variety of mammal species including at least 4 species of bat, along with numerous bird and invertebrate species.