The Godborough Castle Reserve is relatively small but well worth a visit if you’re in the North Devon area. (OS 434 273). This reserve was a ‘greenfield site’, established in the late 1990s and has developed rapidly. The prime aim was to replicate the mixed habitats that would have been found in the area fifty years ago. It has been recognised as a County Wildlife Site.
Devon Birds members and volunteers have planted thousands of trees and berry carrying shrubs to create burgeoning scrub woodland with a spine of relict woodland, including original Devon Whitebeams. There are pockets of tumble-down grassland that provide feeding grounds for Buzzard, Kestrel and Green Woodpeckers and the full range of grassland butterflies including marbled whites. Sparrowhawks are regular visitors and Peregrines are often seen flying between the cliffs and the plentiful supply of pigeons in Bideford. Relict woodland and hedgebanks support a variety of common bird species, including a full range of warblers. In winter the berry carrying shrubs are a major attraction for fieldfares and redwings. The top of the reserve is the highest point locally and is a good spot to watch for spring and autumn migrants with Lesser Whitethroat and Tree Pipit having been ringed on migration.
A complex including ponds and winter scrapes, has been constructed to provide variety in habitat and a feeding ground for a wide range of dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, bees, hirundines and bats. New tree planting was completed by 2010 and the emphasis has now switched to routine management of the trees, including regular coppicing of some areas. There remain large areas of sheep-grazed grassland and efforts to improve the diversity of this grassland are showing real promise. The large south-facing slope is a noted butterfly and bumblebee site and much effort goes into controlling the encroaching gorse and bramble.
The scrapes, the provision of long grass and efforts to increase flowers are aimed at winter visiting Snipe, Jack Snipe, Meadow Pipits and Yellowhammers in particular. All four species were common in the valley 30 years ago and are now scarce visitors.
The site also contains an enigmatic scheduled historic monument consisting of a cross ridge dyke and ‘castle’ mound. Their purpose and dating is a matter of conjecture and they are on the Devon list of sites that need investigation.
In order to improve the accessibility of the site a network of paths has been created over the last few years. There is plenty of flat walking around the ponds and the flower meadows. However, the rest of the site remains one of narrow woodland paths with some steep gradients and many steps. Care is needed when walking these paths. A sketch plan showing the paths and the key code can be obtained from Philip Marlow (pandgmarlow@btinternet.com).
The site is managed by local members and there is an active working group who are on site most Tuesday mornings and always welcome newcomers. Regular bird, butterfly and bee counts take place throughout the seasons and members are always welcome to join the teams.
In view of the regular presence of livestock and the desire to increase ground nesting species, dogs (other than guide dogs) are not allowed on the reserve under any circumstances.
There is ample parking space at the entrance to the reserve (but please do not obstruct the gateway, the reserve is a ‘working farm’ and access for tractors is always needed). There is additional space for cars on the roadside.
Main Gate
Three Words Reference salsa, oven, spite
Grid Ref. 4349 2764
Directions
Leave the Link Road (A39) at the Westward Ho! Junction, which is traffic light controlled, between the Abbotsham Cross and Heywood Road roundabouts. Take the first turning left signposted Abbotsham. Take the first turn left towards the Link Road viaduct. The main site entrance is the gate on the left directly below the Link Road viaduct.
