BRANCHES - Taw & Torridge

Taw & Torridge

The Taw & Torridge branch of Devon Birds was formed in 1986 and represents the northern half of the county, stretching from the Somerset border in the east to the Tamar Lakes in the west. The Society owns and manages several reserves in the area the largest Godborough, on the edge of Bideford, has two ponds with reedbed, pasture land and planted hillsides of mixed woodland, with access restricted to Devon Bird members through a combination gate lock.

Bradiford, a fresh water marsh situated beside the tidal estuary of the river Taw, has no access but can be viewed from the Tarka Trail which runs alongside.

Devon Birds has also supported the establishment of the Bird Hide at upper Tamar Lake.

Birdwatching field trips are organised monthly in the local area and some further afield. These are suitable for prospective members as well as the more experienced. All attending should be suitably dressed for the weather conditions and be reasonably fit as the terrain can sometimes be challenging. Each walk has a leader who has knowledge of the area. Field trips are advertised in the Society’s annual Programme of Events and on this website. Members from other branches of the Society are most welcome to join us.

Three illustrated talks, with guest speakers, are held in September, December and April at Fremington Parish Hall. Please check the dates and times as these may vary. Entrance £3 for members, £4 none members, includes refreshments, all are welcome.

The branch promotes the Society through displays at several wildlife and community events throughout the year.

For further information about the Taw & Torridge branch please contact the Branch Representative or for information about field trips or indoor meetings contact the organisers. Contact may also be made via email to info@devonbirds.org.

The branch is organised by a committee which holds its AGM each April, followed by the illustrated talk.

The branch committee is currently short of several key positions. If you would like to help run your local birding group then please contact Ray Turner (details below).

 

Ray edited 15/9/26

 

Branch News

18 Jan

Devon Birds AGM 2026

Devon Birds AGM 2026 The 2026 Devon Birds Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 14th … Read More
1 Jan

Lundy Day Trip sailing from Bideford on Sunday 3 May 2026

As holiday companies typically launch their advertising campaigns at the beginning of January with p… Read More
18 Mar

Devon Birds Indoor Meeting

Join fellow members for an inspirational evening's indoor speaker engagement on Saturday 13th April … Read More
All Taw & Torridge News

Upcoming Branch Events

16 Oct
2026
10:30

River Caen & Velator Scrape

Flat level walking. Look for Marsh Harrier and other raptors, Cetti’s Warbler, Kingfisher waders and migrants. Meet at Velator Quay carpark. SS4…
More Below
27 Nov
2026
09:45

The Skern

Meet just over the bridge from Burrows Lane. SS451305 Look out for Peregrine, Snow Bunting, Gulls, Waders, plovers and possibly wintering Black Redsta…
More Below

Taw & Torridge Branch Upcoming Events

16 Oct
2026

River Caen & Velator Scrape

Flat level walking.
Look for Marsh Harrier and other raptors, Cetti’s Warbler, Kingfisher waders and migrants.

Meet at Velator Quay carpark. SS484355.

Leader: James Bracher

27 Nov
2026

The Skern

Meet just over the bridge from Burrows Lane. SS451305
Look out for Peregrine, Snow Bunting, Gulls, Waders, plovers and possibly wintering Black Redstart.

Leader: James Bracher

18 Dec
2026

Christmas Meeting – Talk TBD

All are welcome. Tea/coffee and biscuits provided, possibly even a cracker. £3 for members, £4 none members.

Fremington Parish Hall, EX31 3BG

23 Apr
2027

Spring meeting & branch AGM – talk TBD

All are welcome. Tea/coffee and biscuits provided. £3 for members, £4 none members.

Fremington Parish Hall, EX31 3BG

Taw & Torridge Branch Committee

Taw & Torridge Branch Committee

Chair
Vacant
Deputy Chair
Vacant
Secretary
Vacant
Treasurer
Karen Sims
karensims55@ gmail.com 01598 710273
Indoor Meetings
Ray Turner
ray.turner@devonbirds.org 01271 302358
Field Trip Organiser
Kevin Wigley
07850 928030
Godborough Warden
Phillip Marlow
01237 474814
Branch Rep
Ray Turner
ray.turner@devonbirds.org 01271 302358
Bradiford Warden
James Bracher
07977 088904

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