Power walk on the Tarka Trail

The sheep are back in the field there’s a break in the weather and blue skies at last so time to get out in the open air to see if there is any sign of Spring. The Tarka Trail is ideal for a walk run or cycle ride and one of my favourite stretches is from Yelland to Fremington Quay which is about 2.25 miles. As we stepped from the car about 30 Crows were roosting atop piles of wood on a recently cleared puddle-filled field. Off the Trail there are a couple of points of interest for birdwatchers and nature lovers, a path which skirts the shores of the Taw Estuary and the small RSPB Reserve Isley Marsh and the Gaia Trust’s Home Farm Marsh. There is a Permissive Path around Home Farm Marsh both paths are wild-flower rich in Spring/Summer and at this time of year the marshes are havens for over-wintering birds. Today I caught sight of about 10 Egrets along this stretch. There are field upon field of winter stubble on the other side of the trail and I noticed further up there is now another Permissive Path linking the trail to the village of Fremington. Amongst the winter stubble I spotted two male Pheasants. The Tarka Trail can be quite busy so listen out for the sound of tinkling bicycle bells. Watch out for these cyclists, they come in all different forms and all at different speeds. Head down racers, family groups (there is always one slow one bringing up the rear) Little ones teetering on the back of Dad’s bike or tots on trikes, wheelchair users or wheelchair tandems, this fantastic Trail is open to everyone, even folk with bicycle trailers specially designed for pampered pooches. Today we just had a pot of tea and a toasted teacake at Fremington Quay Café but Sunday Roast is also on the menu at this time of year. There is also an exhibition here which offers a fascinating insight into the Victorian quay’s past, with touch screen, video and sound displays. The tide was creeping into the Pill, I spotted about 15 Oystercatchers on the mud flats beyond and there were two flocks of seabirds flying in to join the multitude out on the estuary. No sign of the Seal that was a regular visitor to the Pill last year. A quiet but brisk walk back the way we came, a twittering Blue Tit, a Robin and a large group of Chaffinch fluttering up then settling in a nearby tree. Luckily the late afternoon sun lit up the old power lines over Isley Marsh and highlighted the estuary across to the iconic Saunton Sands Hotel. On the horizon the new power turbines at Fullabrook Wind Farm. Article Pat Adams Sunday 18^th January 2015

Don't forget to register now for the Big Garden Birdwatch 2015 which is on 24-25 January

Access and Parking - Head for the Estuary Business Park Road, West Yelland EX31 3EZ off the Bideford to Barnstaple B3233

or Access and Parking - Fremington Quay EX31 2NH

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Focus on the RSPB Reserves in North Devon
North Devon Focus on the Tarka Trail
Points of Interest

The Gaia Trust
Please note: Dogs are not permitted anywhere on Home Farm Marsh, even on leads. This is because of the Trust’s purpose for the Marsh to support and encourage breeding and over-wintering birds. Cycling is also not allowed, but cycles can be left chained to the railings at the entrances to the site, at the cycle owner’s risk.
RSPB Isley Marsh
Fremington Quay Heritage Centre was renovated and officially opened it’s doors to the public in 2013. Located in the replica station building that also contains the popular Fremington Quay Café, on the Tarka Trail, the Heritage Centre now offers a fascinating insight into the Victorian quay’s past, with touch screen, video and sound displays enabling the visitor to step back in time. A charming community space, a good place for visits by local groups or schools or anyone wishing to learn all about the history of Fremington Quay and Fishleigh Pottery.