Join wildlife guides Martin Batt and Gavin Bloom as they discover why this newly formed nature reserve of Horsey Island and the Caen Wetlands is so special. The tour will include wildlife spotting and photography tips.
Devon Wildlife Trust’s newest nature reserve is an 80 hectare site which was once grazing land protected by an earth bank sea wall. In 2017 the sea wall was breached allowing sea water in. Four years on this breach has grown considerably and Horsey Island is now covered by each incoming tide. As a result grassland has been replaced by a dynamic landscape of mudflats, sandbanks and saltmarsh. Salt tolerant plants such as sea purslane and glasswort (samphire) have taken root, while thousands of wading and other birds rest and feed on the nature reserve. Recent bird sightings have included ospreys, spoonbills, glossy ibis, cattle egret, great white egret and ruff. Bird counts of 2,000 golden plover and 200+ lapwing have also been recorded (Devon Wildlife Trust 2020).
The tour will be over sand and uneven terrain and may involve climbing banks to observe nature.
Meet at the White House, Crow Point Car Park. Places are limited and participants must be pre booked. The tour may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions however, refunds will be given.
About The Guides:
Martin Batt, Wildlife Photographer: With 10 years’ experience of wildlife photography, and a regular role as a guide for wildlife tour company Nature Trek, Martin has worked in Yorkshire and Alderney (Channel Islands) for the Wildlife Trusts, and serves on the North Devon Coast AONB Partnership. He is also a Trustee of the North Devon Environmental Trust.
Gavin Bloomfield, Devon Wildlife Trust: Gavin is a wildlife enthusiast and has worked in nature conservation for 25 years, the past 15 years of which in the South West. Gavin has led various coastal change projects and knows and loves the Taw Torridge estuary. He was one of the instigators of last year’s pioneering research into waterbird high tide roost sites and disturbance on the Taw Torridge and has a strong track record of developing partnerships focused on addressing critical ecological concerns.
For more information about Horsey Island visit: Devon Wildlife Trust
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