Join the local National Trust expert team for a bespoke morning of wildlife watching in Woolacombe Dunes, and enjoy a dramatic walk, in the heart of one of the UK’s most spectacular seascapes.
24th February 9.30am-12.30pm.
Your leaders for the morning will be Fraser Goodfellow from the National Trust and the Dynamic Dunescapes Project, and Martin Batt, from the North Devon Biosphere and the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Both are very knowledgeable local guides, able to show you this magnificent location and answer all your questions.
Thanks to its ownership and careful management by The National Trust for over 50 years, Woolacombe Bay has remained largely unchanged and undeveloped. The Trust has been undertaking some very innovative land management techniques, using cattle provided with GPS collars to graze specific areas of the dunes in Woolacombe Warren. Together with carefully planned wildflower sowing, these techniques are renewing the biodiversity that has been lost.
This exciting walk will show how the winter grazing regime is creating new wildlife interest, and we will look out for the key species that can be expected in wintertime, including Stonechat, Linnet, and Peregrine. You may also spot Kestrel, Buzzard, Roe deer and perhaps even Brown Hares.
You’ll learn how the Trust’s new approach is replacing traditional attempts to stabilise and restrict access to the sand dunes. Today’s watchword is Dynamism, restricting scrub growth and allowing the often fierce winter winds to move the sand. This exposes seed banks for species that have until recently struggled to compete.
Adults £30 plus eventbrite fee: Children free if accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for families with children over 10 years.
Refreshments available at the Porthole Cafe
Meet at the Porthole Cafe on Marine Drive at 9.30am. The walk will end at approximately 12.30pm. There will be a climb up Woolacombe Down and some walking on rough footpaths and dunes.
Booking essential on the link provided. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/523784402247
Photo credit: NTI Images/Joshua Day
