BRANCHES - Mid Devon
Mid Devon
Following on from the Mid Devon Social gathering a number of attendees got together and as a result the Mid Devon Group was restarted in early 2013.
The Mid Devon Group aims to cover an area of Devon that stretches from the Cornwall border across central Devon. The aim is to hold meetings in different locations so that the needs of as many members as possible are met.
The first field meeting was held on 5th March 2013 with a walk at Eggesford Forest followed by a series of interesting walks through the year. Details of the exciting Field Programme are available here.
Each walk has a designated leader who has knowledge of the area and the birds to be seen in the various habitats. These trips are suitable for prospective members as well as the more experienced. We aim to make new members and beginners welcome and help each other identify calls and sightings and share useful information.
All attending should be suitably dressed for the weather conditions and be reasonably fit as the terrain can vary. Check the programme to see if pack lunch is required. Please contact Nick Armstrong (01363 866860) if weather conditions are poor to see if the trip will be postponed.
Members from other branches of Devon Birds are most welcome to join us.
The Branch is organised by a Committee elected by Branch members at its AGM.
Branch News
Mid Devon Branch, Trip to Berry Head
Mid Devon’s Field Trip to East Anstey 2nd May, 2023
Mid Devon Field Meet, Slapton Ley and Beesands, 9th Feb.
Mid Devon Branch Upcoming Events
Laughter Hole Farm
Woodland and open moorland, target bird Grasshopper Warbler. Meet at B3357 Dunnabridge Pound Farm SX641746. Terrain mostly surfaced forestry tracks with some steep rocky sections. Bring packed lunch. Leader Helen Allin 01837 810163.
Woodbury Common, East Devon
More heathland Birds. Meet at Four Firs Common carpark, Woodbury at the junction of B3180 and B3179 for a walk across the pebble bed heath. Bring a packed lunch. Leader Tim Hubbard.
Wildlife Sound Recording Workshop No.1
Thursday, 13th July, wildlife sound recording workshop at the Village Hall, Sandy Lane, Brampford Speke, Exeter EX5 5HW. Get started in wildlife sound recording, no matter your budget. This workshop is suitable for all Members, whether you have little to no experience in wildlife sound recording or are knowledgeable but would like to know more. Morning Session: General principles, techniques and advice in sound recording in the field including analysis and interpretation of actual sound recordings. Teams of two will venture outside for practical recording in the field. Afternoon Session: Learn how to edit and interpret your recordings. Attendees will need to bring a laptop computer. Those with experience should bring their own recording equipment. There are 10 places in each workshop to be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Bring packed lunch and your laptop. Pre-booking essential, cost £10 per person. Leader Paul Pratley, Chairman of the Wildlife Sound Recording Society. Email Nick Armstrong to book your place: armstronick@gmail.com.
Wildlife Sound Recording Workshop No. 2
Saturday, 22nd July, wildlife sound recording workshop at the Village Hall, Sandy Lane, Brampford Speke, Exeter EX5 5HW. Get started in wildlife sound recording, no matter your budget. This workshop is suitable for all Members, whether you have little to no experience in wildlife sound recording or are knowledgeable but would like to know more. Morning Session: General principles, techniques and advice in sound recording in the field including analysis and interpretation of actual sound recordings. Teams of two will venture outside for practical recording in the field. Afternoon Session: Learn how to edit and interpret your recordings. Attendees will need to bring a laptop computer. Those with experience should bring their own recording equipment. There are 10 places in each workshop that will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Bring packed lunch and your laptop. Pre-booking essential, cost £10 per person. Leader Paul Pratley, Chairman of the Wildlife Sound Recording Society. Email Nick Armstrong: armstronick@gmail.com.
Fernworthy Reservoir and Plantation
Plan on morning and afternoon walks around reservoir and forestry plantation. Crossbill, Siskin, Willow Tit possible. Bring packed lunch. Meet at the car park (pay and display) grid ref. SX669838, postcode TQ13 8EA. Leader Helen Allin 01837 810163.
Dawlish Warren
Meet at the first car park (pay and display) on the right at the mini- roundabout before the tunnel entrance, Grid Ref: SX978785. Leader Nick Armstrong.
Exminster Marshes & Mid Devon Christmas Lunch
Expect a mix of waterfowl, waders and other birds. From A379, take Station Road past the Swan’s Nest Inn and over the hump-back bridge to the RSPB car park on the right, grid ref: SX953872. We’ll walk towards the Turf before returning for the Mid Devon Branch Christmas lunch at the Swan’s Nest Inn, Station Rd, Exeter EX6 8DZ. Leader Nick Armstrong. Confirmation for lunch must be received by 30th October 2023.
