Welcome to Mid Devon Wildlife

Aims and Objectives of Mid Devon Wildlife

"The objects of the Society shall be to encourage interest in natural history; to study natural history in its environment; to protect species of wild life and the environment; to promote the exchange of ideas and interests with other natural history societies and conservation bodies and to conduct field study expeditions to places of interest".

The Society holds indoor meetings once a month from September through to May,
and field meetings every month throughout the year.
See events page for further details.

November Outdoor Meeting

A visit to the Lower Otter Project at Budleigh Salterton

Date: Firday 21st November

Time: 10:00am

Description: A visit to the Lower Otter Project to view progress of the project in which a wetland has been created from a former flood plain. On the wetlands it should be possible to see wintering wildfowl and waders together with egrets and maybe a Kingfisher.

Meet: at the Lime Kiln car park in Budleigh Salterton at 10.00am.
NGR SY073820 - nearest postcode EX9 6BG for Salting Hill to access Lime Kiln Car Park)
What3words address:
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https://w3w.co/agents.tutorial.pint

Facilities: Car parking at this time of year is just £2 all day. Toilets available along the beach between the two cafes.

Terrain: The pathways are generally level but can be uneven in places. Suitable footwear is therefore recommended.

Dogs: members are asked not to bring dogs on outdoor visits.

Leader: Ray Jones

Cost: Free to inclusive members. £2.50 for PAYG members and £3.50 for non members (please bring cash)

First time on an outdoor visit? No need to book, just turn up and make yourself known to Ray

November Indoor Meeting

“The Return of the White-tailed Sea Eagle to Southern England"

Date: Thurs 27th November - Live and Zoom meeting (Zoom is for members only)

Time: Doors open 7.00 for prompt 7.30 start

Venue: Cherith Hall, Blundell's Road, Tiverton, EX16 4EZ (ample free car parking). See MAP or https://w3w.co/hits.sweat.silent

Speaker: Zoe Smith (Raptor Biologist)

Facilities: ample parking, disabled access, toilets and hearing loop. The evening includes a refreshment break about halfway through to give everyone the opportunity to mingle and chat

Visitors welcome: £3.50 cash only

Other information: Like many birds of prey, the White-tailed Eagle suffered relentless persecution from the Middle Ages onwards. The Last known pair in southern England bred on Culver Cliff in 1780 on the Isle of Wight. A five-year reintroduction project began in 2019 to translocate and release White-tailed Eagles on the Isle of Wight. All of the WTE's released from the Isle of Wight have been fitted with Ornitela satellite tags enabling them to be monitored. This has included their movements with exploratory flights recorded as far as Denmark and Sweden, but also across the South West of England including Somerset.

January Outdoor
Meeting

Somerset Levels, Starling murmuration, wintering wildfowl and waders.

Date: Wednesday January 7th 10:00 or 13:30 (if you wish for just half day visit).

Time: 10:00 or 13:30 (if you wish for just half day visit).

Venue: RSPB Ham Wall and Shapwick; at the RSPB Ham Wall car park: (NGR ST449397 / Post Code BA6 9SX).

What3words address:
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https://w3w.co/opposites.sunk.helpers

More Information: An afternoon visit to the Somerset Levels to view the wintering wildfowl and the possibility of seeing Marsh Harriers and up to 3 types of egrets. It may also be possible to see a bittern.

As dusk approaches, it is hoped that we will be in a good position to get good views of the starling murmuration which is a spectacle not to be missed. A torch is advisable for the return to the car park.
N.B. The car park is chargeable for non-RSPB members. RSPB members should display their membership card inside their windscreen.

Facilities: Toilets are available at the car park.