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Star species

Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.

Dartford warbler

Stop regularly as you walk across the heathland to scan the gorse and heather for these unmistakable long-tailed warblers. Visit in spring to watch the males perched on top of the gorse, performing their scratchy song.

Dartford warbler (illustration)

Nightjar

Linger until dusk to encounter this amazing bird between May and July. As the light begins to fade, listen for the mechanical 'churring' drifting across the heather. Keep your eyes peeled for nightjars darting around catching moths and for pairs performing their wing-clapping displays.

Nightjar (illustration)

Stonechat

Perky stonechats perch proudly in prominent places, including the tops of bushes and on posts and fences. Pairs remain together throughout the year and you can see family groups in summer.

Stonechat (illustration)

Tree pipit

You could see the display flight of the male tree pipit - he sings as he flies up into the air and then 'parachutes' down with legs dangling back to a treetop perch.

Tree pipit (illustration)

Yellowhammer

In spring, listen out for the yellowhammer's song, described as 'a little bit of bread and no cheeeeese', given from the canary-yellow male's perch at the top of bushes.

Yellowhammer (illustration)

Contact us

Where is it?

  • Lat/lng: 50.70011,-3.33670
  • Grid reference: SY057898
  • Nearest town: Sidmouth, Devon
  • County: Devon
  • Country: England

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Note: Some reserves are not served directly by public transport and, in these cases, a nearby destination (from which you may need to walk or take a taxi or ferry) may be offered.

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