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Hello everyone !
We're new wildlife wardens, Caius and Trudi. We carry on the great work of Amelia, who's moved on to a new role in East Devon District Council, and Sama who is currently on maternity leave.
We’ll be out and about on the Pebblebed Heaths, Exe Estuary and Dawlish Warren (you might even see us out on the estuary in our Patrol boat), raising awareness of our Codes of Conduct, the special nature of these areas and promoting responsible visitor behaviour. Please come and talk to us - we’re very approachable!
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 Nightjars camouflaged
Ground-nesting season is here
Crikey! It's that time of year again - how time flies! And so do our nightjars, as they arrive anytime now, having flown all the way from Sub-Saharan Africa to breed on our heaths. These mysterious, unusual birds will be joining our Dartford Warblers who stayed here during the winter rather than migrate.
 Out on a walk and want to see an iconic bird? Follow our spotter's guide
Some say that Nightjars and Dartford Warblers are notoriously difficult to see. However, we say just follow our graded spotting tips (right), be prepared to slow down and listen carefully, and there’s every chance that you’ll see these iconic heathland residents for yourself. There are of course plenty of other birds and fantastic creatures for you to look out for on the heaths - and we have a spotters guide available to help you.
 Dawlish Warren Landing zone open from 1st April to 4th September
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve’s landing zone, known as ‘soft sand bay’, is now open. This is an area at Warren Point, which allows access for people visiting the reserve from the estuary. The designated space has new and improved signs, which show the landing zone boundaries clearly: it’s important to stay within this area to protect the fantastic wildlife that use the reserve. Picnics are welcome, but not bbqs and dogs because of the sensitivity of the nature reserve.
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 Nightjar in silhouette
LUCKY SPOT: you'll need the good fortune of free time in the evening to see Nightjars because they're most active at dusk. Head out to the heaths just before dusk, then listen out for a strange churring sound, then look up into the open sky where nightjars can be seen looking for food on the wing. Grab your chance to experience the sights and sounds of the wonderful Nightjar by joining a summer evening stroll with our friends at Wild East Devon :
 Dartford Warbler
LIKELY SPOT: Dartford Warblers are active in the daylight, and can be seen throughout the day perching on top of the gorse. Though they can disappear quickly. Listen out for their distinctive call, which is described as scratchy - or as someone said “the equivalent of fingernails down a chalk board”. More importantly, ask a warden to ID the sound for you.
 Stonechat (male)
EASY SPOT: Stonechats are common on heathland - look out for the male with his black head, white collar and rusty orange breast. Stonechats sometimes make a call that sounds like two pebbles being tapped together. TIP: Dartfords are associated with Stonechats and they can often be seen near each other.
 Our new website homepage
NEW WEBSITE!
We've been busy working away on a brand new website to help give people as much information as possible about us, our work, and the amazing sites we have the privilege to work on. Dive in and take a look around!
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We hope you like the new car parks on the Pebblebed Heaths!
Some of you will be using the improved car parks across Pebblebed Heaths already. The project, which is being managed by the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust with funding from South East Devon Habitat Regulations Partnership is providing visitors with much improved car parks, and helping to make sure that heathland species and habitats are protected for future generations to enjoy.
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Small is beautiful
The eagle-eyed among you, may have spotted a very small, rare resident on Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve over the last few weeks. The Sand Crocus or 'Warren Crocus' is only found in one other place in the UK, and is so tiny that it's easily overlooked. Many visitors have been having fun trying to find this charming flower. Some say that it’s Dawlish's Mediterranean-like climate that allow the crocus to thrive. Let's hope this little gem continues to delight.
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Vanishing vipers
Adders come out of hibernation at this time of year. A dark zig-zag pattern on the skin distinguishes them from other snakes. You’re more likely to see a male on the move because females tend to stay in one place. Adders need to warm up by basking in the sun first, and sometimes near to a track. Sadly, there are reports of widespread decline of the Adder population across the UK due to loss of habitat.
Photo credit: female adder, Kim Strawbridge
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Guidance for visitors
Sometimes it's difficult to know the 'rules' when you're out and about, as they may change depending on the land owner and management style. However, help is at hand with these published codes, which offer clear guidelines for common activities across each of our sites. If you meet us out walking, please ask us for a copy, or even better, download your own copy from our BRAND NEW website anytime (see links below).
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