The Best of Dartmoor (Day Trip)

Autumn:
This season of change sees the last of any summer migrants and the arrival of Dartmoor’s winter visitors, including the first Fieldfare and Redwing. Autumn offers one of the best chances to see Ring Ouzel and our focus will be on intercepting some of these migrants, as well as residents including Yellowhammer, Crossbill, Siskin and Redpoll. Another notable arrival is the Golden Plover, who begin to gather in flocks numbering from several hundred up to a thousand! We will spend time searching out these flocks as we are keeping our eye out for any raptors which might be on the move including Goshawk, Merlin and Hen Harrier, whose numbers increase at this time of year. 

February to March:
Our goal will be to track down two much desired resident birds: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Goshawk, both of which can become more conspicuous during late winter. We will spend half a day out on the open moor, enjoying the growing mixed flocks of Mistle Thrush, Fieldfare and Redwing, as well as seeking to spot flocks of Golden Plover as they make dramatic flights across frost-glistening landscapes. Part of the day will be spent searching for winter passerines including Siskin, Crossbill, Brambling and if lucky, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. We will end our day back on the moor in the hope of spotting any raptor returning to roost which could include Hen Harrier, Merlin or Short-eared Owl.  

April to May: 
This is a magical time, as a whole host of spring migrants return and flowers bloom. We will split our day between open moorland and neighbouring ancient woodlands draped in Bluebells. Dartmoor is a national stronghold for Cuckoo and home to breeding Grasshopper Warbler as well as Whinchat, Tree Pipit and Yellowhammer. Redstart, Pied Flycatcher and Spotted Flycatcher frequent many of the woods and, if we’re really lucky, we may encounter one of the pairs of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker who breed here. Breeding raptors such as Goshawk and Peregrine Falcon are also at their most active in early spring and can be a frequent sighting during this time. 

June to August:
Exploring the oak-covered valley side of the Dart Valley, our focus will be a mix of species including rare butterflies such as High Brown Fritillary (mid-June – early August), Purple Hairstreak and White Admiral. The walk will focus around the River Dart, following its meandering path, as it cuts through the steep valley sides comprising of ancient oak woodland and acidic moorland. These valleys are home to Grey Wagtails, Dippers, Kingfishers and Otters as well as Golden-ringed Dragonflies and dancing Beautiful Demoiselles. We also have a good chance of Redstart, Cuckoo, Firecrest and Spotted Flycatcher, as well as Adder and orchids.