Explore the beautiful county of Devon in search of its endearing beavers and other wildlife highlights over the long days and evenings of mid-summer.
Visit Devon’s wilder corners, from its rugged coastline and ancient woodlands to its flower rich meadows and open moorlands, on this gentle tour.
We go in search of some of the county’s best wildlife, with a particular focus on the enigmatic beaver. These impressive semiaquatic rodents are fascinating to watch, and we look for them on both the beautiful River Otter and at the fascinating Coombeshead Reserve in West Devon. We also take walks through a variety of habitats, from Dartmoor woodlands and mires to coastal farmland and the recently rewilded valley at Coombeshead.
We also explore Devon’s wildlife rich seas by taking an exclusive boat trip along the South Devon coast where we hope to encounter common dolphins, grey seals, peregrines, and a variety of seabirds as well the dramatic coastal geology. Furthermore, we also take time to look for the colourful cirl bunting, one of Devon’s local specialities.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Meet in East Devon and beaver watching
We meet at either Exeter train station or our hotel in the early afternoon. Our tour starts with a gentle walk around the nearby heathlands that form part of the recently designated East Devon Pebbledbed Heaths National Nature Reserve.
Later we set off for our first evening of beaver watching along the nearby River Otter. We walk along some beautiful stretches of this tranquil river as we look for beavers emerging from their lodges before dusk.
Today we start by exploring some mature woodlands and upland mire habitats on the edge of Dartmoor, home to a diversity of birds, insects and wildflowers. Later we travel to west Devon to take a walk through a recently rewilded valley, where we can learn more about the rewilding technique used in nature restoration here. During our walk we can see the habitat niches being created and some of the smaller wildlife that’s returning to this site through the presence of beavers and other animals including domesticated wild boar, water buffalo and Exmoor ponies.
In the evening, we have the opportunity to look for beavers here too and see some of the complex wetland habitats they have created through their dam building.
Day3: South Devon
Today we start early with a thrilling coastal boat trip in search of pods of common dolphin, porpoises and many seabirds possibly including the rare Balearic shearwater. Our cruise also takes us along the rugged and geologically significant coastline, where grey seals and peregrines thrive. Later in the day, we go in search of Devon’s star bird, the beautiful cirl bunting, before enjoying the second evening of beaver watching on the River Otter.
Day4: Dartmoor
This morning we return to Dartmoor to explore different habitats. At this time of year, we hope to see some of the butterflies that may be flying over the hillsides, including the rare high brown fritillary. We also look out for typical birdlife of Dartmoor including cuckoos, redstarts and hobbies as well as enjoying scenic views. By the early afternoon it will be time to return to the hotel or Exeter where the tour concludes.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 4 daysfrom £1,095 pp
Mike is an outstanding naturalist, ornithologist and wildlife artist. His career in wildlife began working at the RSPB headquarters for nine years.
Mike's background includes coordinating activities, organising holidays, days out and roadshows throughout the UK for the junior branch of the RSPB. He returned to Devon in 1992 as a professional bird artist (now with 84 published titles), wildlife/bird guide, speaker and served as a volunteer Devon Bird recorder for nearly 10 years.
Mike has an extraordinary knowledge of Devon’s birds, wildlife and habitats and regularly leads day, weekend and weeklong tours of the area. He continues to be involved in cirl bunting and firecrest surveys, including initiating a cirl bunting winter feeding station in Torbay nearly 23 years ago which he still maintains, now with the support of the RSPB.
Dartmoor National Park is one of the last great wildernesses in England, with an inspiring landscape of heather-clad moors and rugged tors. Radiating out from the moor are deep valleys, cloaked in oak woodland, with historic enclosed meadows in their lower reaches and a wealth of wildlife.
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Where: Southwest England
Ideal for viewing: small pearl-bordered fritillary, ring ouzel, stonechat, blue ground beetle, marsh fritillary
This attractive region offers some spectacular stretches of coastline and superb wildlife. Its varied landscapes include rugged cliffs, sheltered bays and beaches and flower rich headlands. Species include cirl bunting, fulmar, Balearic shearwater, grey seal and common dolphin.
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Where: South-west England
Ideal for viewing: cirl bunting, peregrine falcon, fulmar, grey seal, common dolphin
East Devon is a beautiful and less well-known corner of the south-west with many picturesque rural villages, large areas of heathland, tranquil rivers and the Jurassic coastline. The area has lots to offer from fossil hunting along the coast to walks along river valleys such as the Otter, Axe and Exe.
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Where: South-west England
Ideal for viewing: Eurasian beaver, Dartford warbler, dipper, avocet, European nightjar
Offering a comfortable base from which to explore the beautiful county of Devon, the Woodbury Park Hotel features modern facilities and spacious grounds. It boasts excellent access to the local heathlands, rivers and estuaries and features a pool and restaurant with good views.
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