Spring in Devon's Dart Valley (Day Trip)

Summary

Join Andy Smith on a day exploring along the scenic valley of the River Dart on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park. We’ll start at Hembury Woods, quite close to the famous Buckfast Abbey. Along the tumbling river itself we‘ll look for Dippers and Grey Wagtails, Kingfishers, Goosanders and Mandarin Ducks. At this time of year, the woods will be full of bird song and a good walk around should bring us into contact with a satisfying range of species, including common residents like Marsh Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Jay and the various Woodpeckers. Newly arrived summer migrants we will see are Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and dazzling Pied Flycatchers. We should keep an eye to the sky too, for there is always a chance of a passing Peregrine, Goshawk or Sparrowhawk. Once the sun warms things up, the open trails and grassy glades are good for early spring insects like Green Tiger and Oil Beetles, and butterflies such as Brimstone, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood and Pearl-bordered Fritillary. 

In the afternoon we’ll drive for 15 minutes or so up onto Dartmoor to Venford. With spectacular views of the Dart Valley to be enjoyed we’ll explore the woods and moorland of this very beautiful area and look out for a number of exciting birds. These are likely to include Cuckoo, Redstart, Tree Pipit, Stonechat, Wheatear, Crossbill and hopefully, Wood Warbler. Ravens and Buzzards can often to be seen here too, and if it's sunny, there will be further chances for those early spring insects and butterflies, plus hopefully Common Lizards and maybe even an Adder.

There’s a short drive of c15 minutes from Hembury to Venford in the middle of the day. We’ll finish the day at Venford.

In total, we will aim to walk around 6 miles, mostly on undulating paths.

• Woodland classics may include Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler and Common Redstarts
• Moorland species may include Cuckoos, Tree Pipits and Wheatears
• Basking Common Lizards and Adders possible
• Woodland rides may produce Pearl-bordered Fritillaries
• Birds overhead may include Goshawk
• Led by an expert birdwatcher