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Hello Spring
We are seeing signs of spring everywhere, the increasing birdsong, unfurling leaves, emerging insects and blossoming hedgerows. It is perhaps the most exciting time of year, as we watch nature reawaken and the days lengthen.
Although the changing season is coupled with saying goodbye to many of our winter migrants such as brent geese, dunlin and wigeon, we are looking forward to soon greeting our summer visitors including swallows, nightjar and whimbrel.
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Bird breeding season commences!
 A nightjar chick being surveyed. Photo credit: Neil Harris
Bird breeding season has now officially begun (1st March - 31st July) so our team at South East Devon Wildlife shifts its priorities from the Exmouth Wildlife Refuge to breeding grounds on the Pebblebed Heaths and Dawlish Warren.
Although birds breed from January (e.g. crossbill) through to August (e.g. nightjar), March to July is the busiest time. Birds nest in a variety of ways, but the most vulnerable, tend to nest either on or very close to the ground.
 Aerial image of swailing on the Pebblebed Heaths.
You may have noticed recently that there has been an increased amount of burning on the Pebblebed Heaths. Swailing is the controlled burning of heathland. This creates a mosaic of habitats of all ages and variations, helping to support a greater variety of species and increasing the wildlife value of heathland.
 Dawlish Warren Ranger Caius looking for petalwort.
This time of year you might see the rangers crawling around the sand dunes on their hands and knees, with back-to-front binoculars, as if perhaps they have gone slightly mad? Fear not, they are just looking for the “most important individual species at the warren”, petalwort! This plant is one feature which makes Dawlish Warren an internationally important site, as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Join a waggy walk at Ridgetop Park
 The wildflower meadows at Ridgetop Park. Photo credit: Neil Harris
Exminster residents have been enjoying the open space and the wonderful views from the Ridgetop Park since phase one opened last summer. Until now it has only been accessible for people walking and cycling to the Park but now there is limited car parking available.
On 29th March at 10am, Devon Loves Dogs will hold a waggy walk at the Park to help dog walkers understand how they can protect the wildlife on the Park, as well as allowing their dogs to run and play.
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What to spot this season:
Warren Crocus
This small flower is only found at Dawlish Warren and one other UK site, so is very rare. It grows amongst the drier short dune grassland and has 5 pointed lilac petals, flowering for just one month between March and April.
 Sand crocus in flower. Photo credit: Phil Chambers
Dartford warbler
A small, dark, long-tailed warbler. Similar to stonechat, it will perch on top of a gorse stem to sing. Also known as the “dartie”, it will spend most of its time bobbing between bushes rather than flying overhead. As a resident to the Pebblebed Heaths (where there is ~8% of the UK population) this bird is present all year round, but is particularly vocal in the spring!
 A dartford warbler perching on gorse.
Skylark
Although this bird can be seen year round in South East Devon, you will usually start to hear their unique song from the spring when they begin to look for a mate. They are often spotted rising almost vertically from the ground, hovering effortlessly, singing from a great height and then parachuting back down to earth. Skylarks nest on Dawlish Warren in the sand dunes, laying their eggs low to the ground in tufts of grass - this makes them particularly sensitive to disturbance, particularly by dogs!
 A skylark perching on a leafless branch. Photo credit: Barry Cotton
Common lizard
Living up to its name, a common lizard is the most common UK reptile. You’re likely to see one of these from March, basking in the warm sun, particularly following a wet or cold period! They grow up to 10-15cm and live around 5-6 years.
 A common lizard basking in the sun.
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Upcoming Events:
Find out more about events on our website!
Sunday 19th March
A fun-filled family day out with all sorts of activities and entertainment including an extreme bike battle, medieval re-enactment village, baby animals, equine shows, assault courses, kayaking, dog show and food and drink.
South East Devon Wildlife and Devon Loves Dogs will have a stall there this year - do come and say hi!
18th - 20th May
An agricultural show celebrating rural life in Devon with country and livestock competitions, a grand parade, equine events, local food and local drink, traditional entertainment and rural crafts. We will have a stall there so come and join us if you can for some nature-filled fun!
16th - 18th June
A range of dog shows, events, talks and live music and we will be there all weekend!
22nd - 28th July
Celebrating our heathland heritage with a week of events reflecting the ecology, history and recreational importance of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. Enjoy walks, talks and activities for all ages and interests many of them free or by donation.
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