Category: Taw & Torridge
Devon Birds AGM 2026
Devon Birds AGM 2026
The 2026 Devon Birds Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 14th March 2026, in the Devon Suite at the Exeter Court Hotel, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7UX. Starting at 14.30pm
After the formalities of the AGM, there will be a talk by Gus Robin entitled Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in Devon and the South West – their ecology, monitoring and can we halt their decline?
We are looking for members (or non-members) who are willing and able to offer their time and energy to the work of Devon Birds, contributing to the conservation and protection of the county’s wildlife.
The membership covers a very broad spectrum of enthusiasts, from simply feeding birds in the garden to more organised record keeping of sightings and identification of rare birds. Our Council similarly represents this range of interest and we do not all need to be expert birders to contribute.
We have a number of vacancies, including Chair, vice chair, Communications Officer, WebSite manager and Member Trustee roles.
If you might be interested in any of these roles please contact Secretary@devonbirds.org for more information
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 promises of island adventures and the opportunity to get away for it all, why not take advantage of what is on your doorstep by joining the Devon Birds annual trip to Lundy on Sunday 3 May 2026?
The early start, boarding M V Oldenburgh at Bideford from 7.30am ready to sail at 8.00am, will mean that you have over 6 hours to enjoy this beautiful, peaceful island with only the local fauna and flora for company. One of the highlights is that, weather permitting, the boat will tour round the island before you disembark allowing spectacular views of rafts of Guillemot, Razorbill and everybody’s favourite, Puffin.
Whether you to choose to take a picnic or buy some supplies on the island, you will have time to explore the cliffs and scan the coves below. This island offers so much more than the 35 species of bird that breed there. It is a hot spot for rarities and the thrill of a visit is that you never know what you may see. Added to this is the chance to see seal, dolphin, basking shark and Sika Deer.
The journey from the mainland takes about 2 hours with the chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones, share news of what you have seen and lament on the one that eluded you, all the while scanning the sea for shearwater, dolphin and one last surprise.
The day will end all to soon, returning to Bideford at approximately 6.30pm.
Tickets, priced £42 for adults and £19 for children (under 16) are available to buy from the Shop on the Devon Birds website (www.devonbirds.org.uk). click here for the shop
Please note that when you make your booking the Lundy Steamship Company require you to provide the full name and gender of all passengers.
The trip is open to everyone, not just Devon Birds members, providing the opportunity to share this very special place with friends and family and make it a day to remember. It’s a great way to start using your new 2026 diary – make your booking and save the date.
Devon Birds Indoor Meeting
Join fellow members for an inspirational evening’s indoor speaker engagement on Saturday 13th April at the United Reformed Church Hall, Southernhay, Exeter, 7:30-9:00 p. The meeting is organised by Devon Birds Mid Devon Branch and is open to all Devon Birds members and friends.
We have two speakers:
Martin Overy ‘The Devon Birds Annual Report – how it is put together and how important your records are’
Martin leads on the compilation of the annual Devon Birds report and he will cover a brief history of the report, what goes in and what doesn’t, how it is compiled and how records are used, and the importance and accuracy of records. General observations and suggestions for improvement from the audience will be welcome.
Andy Gray ‘Changing farming practices – divert to diversity, a discussion’
Andy is a farmer from the Crediton area with a commitment to innovative and sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment, promote accessibility to quality food and inspire future farmers. Andy was a finalist in the prestigious 2023 BBC Food and farming Awards in the Farming and the Future category.
Suggested donation of £2.50 for those attending. Tea and coffee available.
Please let Tom Misselbrook (tom.misselbrook@devonbirds.org) know if you plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you there.
Southernhay United Reformed Church, Dix’s Field, Exeter EX1 1QA. Car parking at Magdalen Road Carpark, a short walk from the United Reformed Church on Southernhay.
