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.
Velator, in Braunton, is a fresh water reedbed, leased from South West Water, and managed by Jon Turner, the Devon Birds Conservation Officer North, who also carries out bird ringing throughout the year.
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.
Illustrated Talks with guest speakers are held monthly from September to April at the Castle Centre Barnstaple. Entrance £3 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 Secretary 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 March, followed by an illustrated talk.
Karen edited
Branch News
RHS Rosemoor Bird Survey
Bradiford Tree planting
Taw & Torridge Branch Upcoming Events
Invasive non-native Species of St Helena – James Fentom
Castle Centre Barnstaple start 19:30
Invasive non-native species; The devastating side effect of globalization on St Helena Island and the UK
Entry – Members £3 (£4 non-members)
Refreshments
Tamar Lakes and Bursdon Moor
Meet at Upper Lake Carpark.
Currently (October 2022) work has closed the Lower Lake footpath. If still closed in 2023 then trip will be cancelled.
Please keep an eye on website nearer the day.
Target species – Willow Tit, Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper, Merlin and Hen Harrier
Leader – Kevin Wigley
kevinwigley2959@gmail.com
Tawny Owls – Stephen Powells
There will be a brief Branch AGM before the start of the talk.
Castle Centre Barnstaple start 19:30
Entry £3 (£4 non-members)
Refreshments
Woody Bay to Headon Mouth
Meet at Woody Bay Carpark (free)
Walking boots essential as lower path uneven and there is a brook to cross.
Intention is to walk the circular route along the lower path to Headon Mouth then up and back on the top path.
If heavy rain has swelled the brook we will walk the top path only.
About 4/5 miles.
Target species – Peregrine, Raven, Stonechat and breeding seabirds.
Leader – Kevin Wigley
email@kevinwigley.co.uk
Bird Behaviour : an illustrated talk by Ian Gasper
Talk at The Castle Centre Barnstaple to start at 19:30
Refreshments
Entry £3 £4 non members
Simonsbath – Cuckoo and Dippers
Cuckoo and dipper walk (approximately 5 hours – 4.8 miles)
Meet at 10am Exmoor National Park car park (Ashcombe), Simonsbath (charge £3 all day)
Target species – Cuckoo, Dipper, Grey Wagtail & Whinchat
Booking essential
Leader – Steve Skirth
steveskirth@gmail.com
Islay Marsh and Taw Banks
Islay Marsh & Taw Banks
Meet for 9am start at Instow lay-by
Walk down the Tarka trail to Taw Banks and back around Islay Marsh
Target species – Singing warblers, Whitethroat, Sedge and Willow, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Reed. With a possibility of Cetti’s
Leader: Martin Unwin & Mandy Yates
unwinmart@hotmail.com
51.060002 , -4.1720420
Chagford Swift’s, St Michael’s Church
Swifts in Chagford (nest box cameras)–
meet in front of St. Michael’s Church, Chagford.
A visit to see the very successful nest box scheme set up by Nick Baker.
Booking essential
Leader: Steve Skirth (steveskirth@gmail.com)
Nightjar of Hartland Forest
Meet on forest track (Grid reference SS277208) for 20:00 start
Target species – singing Tree Pipit and displaying Nightjar
Leader – Martin Unwin & Mandy Yates
unwinmart@hotmail.com
Horsey Island DWT Reserve
Meet at Velator Quay Carpark with a walk down the river to Horsey Island on the rising tide.
Target species- Returning/migrating waders in summer plumage and migrating raptors.
Leader – Kevin Wigley
kevinwigley2959@gmail.com
Skern and walk to Green No. 8 on Pebbleridge
Meet at the Skeren (Grid reference SS419313) for 14:00 start
High tide is 17:37 (6.2 meters)
Walk out to 8th golf tee on the Golf Course
Target species- Snow Bunting, late Wheatear, Larks & Pipits, Waders, wildfowl
Gull species including Mediterranean
Leader – Martin Unwin & Mandy Yates
unwinmart@hotmail.com
Waders on the Pill, Fremington
I can’t confirm this one best I advise members verbally in the new year!
Dates may change 14, 21 or 28th dependant on tide times
Tide times dependant
Waders on the Pill (Fremington Creek).
Meet at Fremington Quay car park
Target species – Green Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Kingfisher & Glossy Ibis
51.0812780736724, -4.118215366016117
Leader: Steve Skirth (steveskirth@gmail.com)
Tarka Trail Barnstaple to Ashford
Meet at Barnstaple long stay carpark (Grid reference SS559326) for 10:00 start (£1.70 all day)
Walk from Barnstaple Old Bridge on the trail towards Ashford Garden Centre and beyond, time permitting.
Target species – Close views of Herring, Black-headed and possible Lesser Balck-backed Gull in different plumage (from 1cy to adult)
Variety of waders and possible wintering Common Sandpiper and Kingfisher
Leader – Martin Unwin and Mandy Yates
unwinmart@hotmail.com
