PROGRAMME OF WALKS 2009

Please wear suitable clothing and stout footwear and bring refreshments if required. Dogs are to be on a lead at all times. Please note you can just turn up on the day but prior booking is preferred. It is advisable that anyone using public transport and walking across the East Commons and/or Dartmoor to the start of a walk should be competent with a map and compass. Recommended maps: Explorer Series Nos. 110, 112, 114, 115, 116, 126, 139, OL9, OL20, OL28 & an A-Z. Distance 2-4 miles unless an all day walk which will be about 6 miles.

Thursday January 1st 8.00am SLAPTON LEY – Meet layby opposite caravan site. Grid ref: SX825448. Start your New Year bird list with a trip to the South Hams. 4 hrs £5

Friday January 2nd 8.00am DAWLISH WARREN - Meet at the far end of the car park (pay & display - £1). Grid ref: SX980787. Birds, birds, birds. Please note no dogs allowed on this particular walk. Bus 2 or train to Dawlish Warren. 4 hrs £5

Friday January 2nd 1.30pm STARCROSS & COCKWOOD - Meet at Starcross car park (free). Grid ref: SX976822. Not a great distance covered on this walk but plenty of birdwatching. A good area for turnstone, kingfisher, greenshank and goldeneye. Wellingtons recommended. Bus 2 or train to Starcross. 3 hrs £5

Saturday January 3rd 1.30pm RIVERSIDE VALLEY PARK & MATFORD SCRAPES - Meet at bottom of Salmonpool Road (off Topsham Road), Exeter. Grid ref: SX932911. Parking is limited so please use nearby Rivermead Road and walk to start. Exploring the watercourses of the Exe where kingfishers and green sandpipers are regularly seen. 3 hrs £5

Monday January 5th 10.00am BUDLEIGH TO AND BACK - Meet at White Bridge, near . Grid ref: SY077831. A six-miler just for the fun of it – a good bird watching circuit. Bus 57 to , then 157/357 to Budleigh plus 30 minute walk to start. 6 hrs £5

Wednesday January 7th 10.00am RIVER AXE - Meet at the lay-by on the Seaton to Axmouth road shortly after crossing the river bridge at Seaton. Grid ref: SY254902. An introduction to this superb bird watching area. Please note that if we visit Seaton Marshes & Colyford Marshes dogs are not allowed. Bus X53 to Seaton plus 15-minute walk to start. 4 hrs £5

Friday January 9th 10.00am STOKE CANON - Meet at the level crossing. Grid ref: SX938979. Riverside ramble and a chance of little owls. Bus 55 to Stoke Canon Inn. 3 hrs £5

Sunday January 11th 1.30pm EXMINSTER MARSHES – Meet at the RSPB car park (cross over railway bridge and turn sharp right). Grid ref: SX954872. Winter bird watching. Bus 2 to Swan‟s Nest roundabout. 3 hrs £5

Monday January 12th 10.00am MORETONHAMPSTEAD TO NORTH BOVEY – Meet at Station Road car park. Grid ref: SX754859. Annual Dartmoor wander – refreshing scenery and real ale. Walking boots are essential on this walk. Bus 359 to Moretonhampstead Square. 6 hrs £5

Wednesday January 14th 10.00am SIDFORD – Meet at Sidford main car park. Grid ref: SY135900 (pay & display £2.10). An all day level walk of about 5 miles out along the Byes and back, with chance of purple sandpipers on Chit Rocks and a tea-stop at The Clock (Jacob‟s Ladder) cafe, . Bus 52A/B to Sidford. 6 hrs £5

Friday January 16th 1.30pm LYMPSTONE TO MUDBANK LANE – Meet at Lympstone (Underhill) car park behind the Globe Inn (pay & display 90p or free parking in nearby streets). Grid ref: SX991840. Estuary birds. Wellies recommended. Bus 57 or train to Lympstone plus 15 minute walk to start. 3 hrs. £5

Saturday January 17th 1.30pm FERNWORTHY RESERVOIR – Meet at main car park. Grid ref: SX669838. Scenic lakeside walk with the possibility of goosanders late in the afternoon. 3 hrs £5

Monday January 19th 1.30pm COUNTESS WEAR - Meet at Countess Wear canal swing bridge car park, off Bridge Road, Exeter. Grid ref: SX943894. The Exe and the Old Sludge Beds nature reserve. Bus 57 to Countess Wear roundabout plus 10 minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday January 21st 11.00am FREMINGTON & ISLEY MARSH, North Devon – Meet at the layby on the B3233 at Fremington. Grid ref: SS520325. Winter birds. Please note no dogs allowed on this walk. 5 hrs £5

Friday January 23rd 1.30pm POWDERHAM TO TURF – Meet at Powderham Church. Grid ref: SX972844. Birdwatching along this popular estuary path. Train to Starcross or bus 2 to Kenton. 3 hrs £5

Saturday January 24th 12.00pm ROADFORD RESERVOIR – Meet at the dam car park. Grid ref: SX425895 (pay & display £2). Winter bird watching. Cafe and toilets at start. A walk of two halves with wellingtons needed for the second half. Goosanders to roost. 4 hrs £5

Monday January 26th 10.00am EAST BUDLEIGH COMMONS & WOODBURY CASTLE CIRCULAR - Meet at Fire Point 4 Wheat Hill car park (not the car park under the trees at Squabmoor). Grid ref: SY041847. Heathland wander. 5 hrs £5

Wednesday January 28th 11.00am WEST CHARLETON MARSH – Meet at Charleton Way by the Ashburton Arms. Grid ref: SX752426. New territory to explore. Wellilngtons recommended. Please note, no dogs allowed in the hide at West Charleton. 5 hrs £5

Friday January 30th 1.30pm , EXMOUTH - Meet near the toilet block at the eastern end of Queen‟s Drive, Orcombe Point. Grid ref: SY019798. New winter circuit. Bus 57 or train to Exmouth plus 40 minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Saturday January 31st 11.00am BRIXHAM & BERRY HEAD – Park along Berry Head Road and meet at start of Brixham Breakwater. Grid ref: SX931566. In search of purple sandpipers, cirl buntings and seabirds. 4 hrs £5

Monday February 2nd 11.00am BROADSANDS – Meet at Broadsands car park (pay & display 95p) or along roadside where parking is free. Grid ref: SX897573. Coastal coves and woodland. 4hrs £5

Wednesday February 4th 10.00am TOPSHAM – Meet at Holman Way car park (pay & display 80p). Grid ref: SX968882. Birds, birds, birds. Bus T to Holman Way or bus 57 to Station Road plus 5-minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Friday February 6th 10.00am STOVER COUNTRY PARK - Meet at the car park (pay & display £1.20). Grid ref: SX832749. Bus X38/39 to Drumbridges. 3 hrs £5

Friday February 6th 1.30pm OUT ALONG THE BOVEY – Meet at Station Road car park, Bovey Tracey (pay & display – 90p). Grid ref: SX814783. Dipper country. Bus 39/X39 to Bovey Tracey 3 hrs £5

Sunday February 8th 1.30pm LUDWELL VALLEY PARK - Meet at Pynes Hill (from Countess Wear roundabout, Exeter, take the B3181 towards Honiton (then ignore slip-road for Honiton and look for left turn to Pynes Hill). Meet in front of NFU building. Grid ref: SX949908. Winter finches and stubble fields. Bus 52, 57 or 2 to Countess Wear roundabout plus 15 minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Monday February 9th 11.00am THURLESTONE, SOUTH MILTON LEY & SOUTH HUISH MARSH – Meet at the beach car park. Grid ref: SX676419. First winter visit to this birdwatching site. 4 hr £5

Wednesday February 11th 1.30pm BUDLEIGH SALTERTON TO – Meet at White Bridge, near Budleigh Salterton. Grid ref: SY077831. Up the Otter to Otterton and back. 3 hrs £5

Friday February 13th 1.30pm NEWTON POPPLEFORD – Meet at Newton Poppleford car park. Grid ref: SY086896. Up the river to Tipton St John and back. Bus 52 to Newton Poppleford Memorial. 3 hrs £5

Saturday February 14th 11.00am TO BEER – Meet at the Forge car park, Branscombe (donation in wishing well). Grid ref: SY197887. Out along the underhooken and back along the cliff tops. This walk is not suitable for anyone with vertigo. 6 hrs £5

Monday February 16th 10.00am HAWKERLAND COMMON - Meet Joney‟s Cross car park on the A3052 Exeter to Sidmouth Road (by turning for Hawkerland, about half a mile on the Sidmouth side of the Half Way Inn). Grid ref: SY057897. First of two walks today in search of Dartford warblers. 3 hrs £5

Monday February 16th 1.30pm AYLESBEARE COMMON - Meet Joney‟s Cross car park on the A3052 Exeter to Sidmouth Road (by turning for Hawkerland, about half a mile on the Sidmouth side of the Half Way Inn). Grid ref: SY057897. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday February 18th 10.00am RIVER AXE - Meet at the lay-by on the Seaton to Axmouth road shortly after crossing the river bridge at Seaton. Grid ref: SY254902. An introduction to this superb bird watching area. Please note that if we visit Seaton Marshes & Colyford Marshes dogs are not allowed. Bus X53 to Seaton plus 15-minute walk to start. 4 hrs £5

THERE WILL BE NO WALKS FROM 19TH FEBRUARY - 28TH FEBRUARY

Sunday March 1st 2.00pm STARCROSS & COCKWOOD - Meet at Starcross car park (free). Grid ref: SX976822. Not a great distance covered on this walk but plenty of birdwatching. A good area for turnstone, kingfisher, greenshank and goldeneye. Wellingtons recommended. Bus 2 or train to Starcross. 3 hrs £5

Monday March 2nd 2.00pm WARREN HOUSE INN AREA - Meet at King‟s Oven car park. Grid ref: SX675811. Out on the open moors. 4 hrs £5

Wednesday March 4th 10.00am DAWLISH WARREN - Meet at the far end of the car park (pay & display - £1). Grid ref: SX980787. Birds, birds, birds. Please note no dogs allowed on this particular walk. Bus 2 or train to Dawlish Warren. 4 hrs £5

Friday March 6th 2.00pm TOPSHAM – Meet at Holman Way car park (pay & display 80p). Grid ref: SX968882. Birds, birds, birds. Bus T to Holman Way or bus 57 to Station Road plus 5-minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Saturday March 7th 2.00pm LADRAM BAY - Meet at Peak Hill car park, near Sidmouth (not Jacobs Ladder car park). Grid ref: SY109873. Coast and heath above Sidmouth. Bus 52 to the Triangle, Sidmouth plus 45 minute walk up Peak Hill to start. 4 hrs £5

Monday March 9th 2.00pm EXMINSTER MARSHES – Meet at the RSPB car park (cross over railway bridge and turn sharp right). Grid ref: SX954872. Last of the winter bird watching. Bus 2 to Swan‟s Nest roundabout. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday March 11th 10.00am HEMBURY WOODS & HILL FORT - Meet at Hembury Woods (Take the Buckfastleigh turning off the A38. Go past Buckfast Abbey, almost immediately take the next turn on the right, signposted Buckfast. Go through Buckfast village and take right fork signposted Hembury Woods. After bridge, ascend the hill and park on left hand side of the road where it levels off at top or turn in and park at the picnic area). Grid ref: SX729681. Woodland birds and daffodils. Lesser spotted woodpeckers possible. 3 hrs £5

Friday March 13th 2.00pm COUNTESS WEAR - Meet at Countess Wear canal swing bridge car park, off Bridge Road, Exeter. Grid ref: SX943894. The Exe and the Old Sludge Beds nature reserve. Bus 57 to Countess Wear roundabout plus 10 minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Sunday March 15th 2.00pm OTTERY ST MARY - Meet at the main long-stay car park (free). Grid ref: SY098956. Along the Otter towards Tipton St John and back. Bus 60 to Ottery St Mary. 4 hrs £5

Monday March 16th 10.00am BUDLEIGH TO LADRAM BAY AND BACK - Meet at White Bridge, near Budleigh Salterton. Grid ref: SY077831. A six-miler just for the fun of it – a good bird watching circuit. Bus 57 to Exmouth, then 157/357 to Budleigh plus 30 minute walk to start. 6hrs - £5

Wednesday March 18th 2.00pm STOKE CANON - Meet at the level crossing. Grid ref: SX938979. Riverside ramble and a chance of little owls. Bus 55 to Stoke Canon Inn. 4 hrs £5

Friday March 20th 2.00pm FINGLE BRIDGE - Meet at Fingle Bridge car park. Grid ref: SX744898. A very scenic walk concentrating on woodland birds. Lesser spotted woodpeckers possible. Bus 173 to Castle Drogo plus 30-minute walk to start. Please note you need to be sure-footed for this walk. 4 hrs £5

Saturday March 21st 2.00pm RIVERSIDE VALLEY PARK & MATFORD SCRAPES - Meet at bottom of Salmonpool Road (off Topsham Road), Exeter. Grid ref: SX932911. Parking is limited so please use nearby Rivermead Road and walk to start. Exploring the watercourses of the Exe where kingfishers and green sandpipers are regularly seen. Bus „T‟ to top of Salmonpool Lane/Buckerell Lodge. 3 hrs £5

Monday March 23rd 11.00am WEST CHARLETON MARSH – Meet at Charleton Way by the Ashburton Arms. Grid ref: SX752426. New territory to explore. Wellilngtons recommended. Please note, no dogs allowed in the hide at West Charleton. 5hrs £5

Wednesday March 25th 10.00am STEPS BRIDGE, NEAR DUNSFORD - Meet at Steps Bridge car park. Grid ref: SX803884. Wild daffodils at their best. Lesser spotted woodpecker possible. Bus 359 to Steps Bridge. 4 hrs £5

Friday March 27th 2.00pm HAYTOR CIRCULAR - Meet at the Haytor car park with the Dartmoor Info Centre and toilet block. Grid ref: SX765771. Our first wheatears of the year are usually seen on this route. 3 hrs £5

Saturday March 28th 2.00pm STOVER COUNTRY PARK - Meet at the car park (pay & display £1.20). Grid ref: SX832749. Bus X38/39 to Drumbridges. 3 hrs £5

Monday March 30th 11.00am HOPES NOSE - Meet at Anstey Cove car park (pay & display £3 or in front of nearby Kents Cavern for free). Grid ref: SX934645. Scenic walk in the Torbay area. Bus 85 to Babbacombe Road plus 10-minute walk to car park. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday April 1st 10.00am ASHCLYST FOREST - Meet in the Forest Gate car park. Grid ref: SX999995. Our first spring visit to Ashclyst. 4 hrs £5

Thursday April 2nd 10.00am DAWLISH WARREN - Meet at the far end of the car park (pay & display £1) Grid ref: SX980787. With luck the Warren Crocus will be in flower. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this walk. Bus 85 or train to Dawlish Warren. 3hrs £5

Friday April 3rd 2.00pm TRENCHFORD & TOTTIFORD RESERVOIRS - Meet at Trenchford car park. Grid Ref: SX804824. Lakeside wander. 4 hrs £5

THERE WILL BE NO WALKS APRIL 4TH - APRIL 14TH

Wednesday April 15th 10.00am EAST BUDLEIGH COMMONS & WOODBURY CASTLE CIRCULAR - Meet at Fire Point 4 Wheat Hill car park (not the car park under the trees at Squabmoor). Grid ref: SY041847. Heathland wander. 5 hrs - £5

Friday April 17th 2.00pm HAWKERLAND COMMON - Meet Joney‟s Cross car park on the A3052 Exeter to Sidmouth Road (by turning for Hawkerland, about half a mile on the Sidmouth side of the Half Way Inn). Grid ref: SY057897. 3 hrs £5

Sunday April 19th 10.00am RIVER AXE - Meet at the lay-by on the Seaton to Axmouth road shortly after crossing the river bridge at Seaton. Grid ref: SY254902. An introduction to this superb bird watching area. Please note that if we visit Seaton Marshes & Colyford Marshes dogs are not allowed. Bus X53 to Seaton plus 15-minute walk to start. 4 hrs £5

Monday April 20th 10.00am BRANSCOMBE TO BEER – Meet at the Forge car park, Branscombe (donation in wishing well). Grid ref: SY197887. Out along the underhooken and back along the cliff tops. This walk is not suitable for anyone with vertigo. 5 hrs £5

Wednesday April 22nd 10.00am BICKLEIGH MILL - Meet at Bickleigh Mill car park (please use area under the bridge). Grid ref: SS937077. This is one of the nicest stretches of the Exe Valley Way and a good area for kingfishers and dippers. Wild flowers will feature strongly today. Bus 55 to Bickleigh. 4 hrs £5

Friday April 24th 2.00pm SCANNICLIFT COPSE, DODDISCOMBELEIGH - From the B3193 Dunsford to Chudleigh road, take the road for Doddiscombeleigh at the Teign House Inn. Cross the river Teign and park beyond this where the road widens. Grid ref: SX839866. One of Devon‟s best kept secrets with plenty of bluebells. Bus 360 to Teign House Inn plus 5-minute walk to start. Please note you need to be sure-footed for this route through steep sided woodland. 3 hrs £5

Monday April 27th 10.00am WARREN HOUSE INN, Dartmoor - Meet at King‟s Oven car park. Grid ref: SX675811. Cuckoos, whinchats and flycatchers. 4 hrs £5

Wednesday April 29th 6.00am YARNER WOODS EARLY MORNING BIRDSONG - Meet at Reddaford car park (first turning on the right after crossing the cattle grid on B3344 Bovey Tracey to Manaton Road). Grid ref: SX785794. Seeking out the pied flycatchers and other birds. 4 hrs £5

Friday May 1st 2.00pm HOLYFORD WOODS, nr Seaton - Meet in layby opposite Seaton Heights Hotel. Grid ref: SY233914. .New bluebell walk to explore. 3 hrs £5

Saturday May 2nd 6.00am EXMINSTER MARSHES EARLY MORNING BIRDSONG WALK - Meet at the RSPB car park (cross over railway bridge and turn sharp right). Grid ref: SX954872. Bus 85 to Swan‟s Nest roundabout. 4 hrs £5

Monday May 4th 2.00-4.00pm Killerton – Wildflower and Insect Identification. Cost £7. Booking in advance only through the National Trust on 01392 881345. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Tuesday May 5th 6.00pm BICKLEIGH MILL EVENING WALK - Meet at Bickleigh Mill car park (please use area under the bridge). Grid ref: SS937077. This is one of the nicest stretches of the Exe Valley Way and a good area for kingfishers and dippers. Wild flowers will feature strongly today. Bus 55 to Bickleigh. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday May 6th 10.00am HALDON - Meet at the Haldon Forest car park. Grid ref: SX882846 (pay and display - £2). Take sharp turn to Dunchideock off A38 just before racecourse. Butterflies and other insects. 4 hrs £5

Friday May 8th 2.00pm ORCOMBE POINT, EXMOUTH TO SANDY BAY - Meet near the toilet block at the eastern end of Queen‟s Drive, Orcombe Point (pay & display £2.40). Grid ref: SY019798. Out along the beach and back along the cliffs – sandwich terns, kittiwakes and green-winged orchids. Bus 57 or train to Exmouth plus 40 minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Tuesday May 12th 6.00pm EXMINSTER MARSHES EVENING WALK - Meet at the RSPB car park (cross over railway bridge and turn sharp right). Grid ref: SX954872. Bus 85 to Swan‟s Nest roundabout. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday May 13th 2.00pm FIRE BEACON HILL - Meet in the Bowd Inn overflow car park, Sidmouth. Grid ref: SY107901. Bluebells and birds. Bus 52 to the Bowd Inn. 3 hrs £5

Friday May 15th 10.00am STEPS BRIDGE, NEAR DUNSFORD - Meet at Steps Bridge car park. Grid ref: SX803884. Bus 359 to Steps Bridge. One of the Devon Wildlife Trusts best nature reserves. 4 hrs £5

Sunday May 17th 9.00-11.00am Spring Bird Song Walk at Knightshayes. Price £10. Booking in advance only through the National Trust, contact Elaine on 01884 254665. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Monday May 18th 11.00am BELLEVER, Dartmoor - Meet at the Postbridge car park (just after the clapperbridge coming from Exeter direction - 50p charge). Grid ref: SX647789. Dartmoor birds. Bus 82. 4 hrs £5

Tuesday May 19th 6.00pm STOKE CANON EVENING WALK - Meet at the level crossing. Grid ref: SX938979. Pleasant river walk with chance of little owls. Bus 55 to Stoke Canon Inn. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday May 20th 11.00am VENFORD RESERVOIR - Meet at North car park. Grid ref: SX686713. Wood warblers, cuckoos and flycatchers. 3 hrs £5

Friday May 22nd 10.00am WARREN HOUSE INN, Dartmoor - Meet at King‟s Oven car park. Grid ref: SX675811. Moorland birds. 4 hrs £5

Saturday May 30th 2.00pm BRANSCOMBE - Meet at the Village Hall car park, Branscombe (donation in wishing well). Grid ref: SY197887. Wildflower walk. This walk is not suitable for anyone with vertigo. 4 hrs - £5

Monday June 1st 10.00am CHUDLEIGH KNIGHTON HEATH & LITTLE BRADLEY PONDS - Meet along the road verges at Chudleigh Knighton heath. Grid ref: SX837776. Good weather could lead to some great dragonfly watching. 4 hrs £5

Tuesday June 2nd 10.00am GRAND WESTERN CANAL - Meet at Sampford Peverell car park. Grid ref: SS033143. Attractive canalside walk. Dragonflies will feature again today if the weather is kind. Bus 55B to Tiverton then change for Sampford Peverell, or train to Tiverton Parkway plus 20 minute walk to start. 5 hrs £5

Tuesday June 2nd 6.00pm GRAND WESTERN CANAL EVENING BIRD WALK - Meet at Sampford Peverell car park. Grid ref: SS033143. Attractive canalside walk. Bus 55B to Tiverton then change for Sampford Peverell, or train to Tiverton Parkway plus 20 minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Friday June 5th 2.00pm MINCINGLAKE VALLEY PARK & DRAKE’S MEADOW, EXETER - Meet at Stoke Hill car park at bottom of Stoke Hill road. Grid ref: SX935945. A chance to explore this little known valley park that is rich in wildflowers and insects. Bus F to top of Mincinglake Road. 3 hrs £5

Sunday June 7th 2.00-4.00pm Knightshayes Court – Wildflower and Insect Identification. Price £10. Booking in advance only through the National Trust, contact Elaine on 01884 254665. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Monday June 8th 10.00am EAST BUDLEIGH COMMONS & WOODBURY CASTLE CIRCULAR - Meet at Fire Point 4 Wheat Hill car park (not the car park under the trees at Squabmoor). Grid ref: SY041847. Heathland wildlife. Bus 57 to Lympstone plus 45 minute walk to start. 4 hr walk - £5

Tuesday June 9th 8.00pm MUTTERSMOOR NIGHTJAR EVENING - Meet at Peak Hill car park (not Jacob‟s Ladder car park), near Sidmouth. Grid ref: SY109873. An evening walk finishing with nightjars, hopefully! Bus 52 to The Triangle, Sidmouth plus 45 minute walk up Peak Hill to start. 2 hr walk - £5

Wednesday June 10th 10.00am LYMPSTONE TO MUDBANK LANE – Meet at Lympstone (Underhill) car park behind the Globe Inn (pay & display 90p or free parking in nearby streets). Grid ref: SX991840. Wildflowers and insects. Bus 57 or train to Lympstone plus 15 minute walk to start. 4 hrs. £5

Friday June 12th 2.00pm DUNSDON NATURE RESERVE, West Devon - Meet in the car park. Grid ref: SS302080. From Holsworthy, take the A3072 west towards Bude. After about 2.5 miles, take a right turn signposted to Pancrasweek. Continue north past Pancrasweek church for about 1 mile, and then right at the T-junction, through Lane, following the lane round a sharp left bend. The entrance to the reserve is on the left, just before Gains Cross. We will be looking for lesser butterfly orchids and marsh fritillary butterflies on this National Nature Reserve. Stout footwear essential. 3 hrs £5

Sunday June 14th 2.00pm FERNWORTHY RESERVOIR, Dartmoor - Meet in the main car park. Grid ref: SX669838. Scenic lakeside walk. Birds, flowers and insects. 3 hrs £5

Tuesday June 16th 8.00pm AYLESBEARE COMMON NIGHTJAR EVENING - Meet Joney‟s Cross car park on the A3052 Exeter to Sidmouth Road (by turning for Hawkerland, about half a mile on the Sidmouth side of the Half Way Inn). Grid ref: SY057897. Our first visit to Aylesbeare for nightjars. 2 hrs £5

Wednesday June 17th 2.00pm ORLEY COMMON - Meet at the car park that is just west of Ipplepen village towards Torbryan. Grid ref: SX827665. Wildflowers and insects. Bus X64 to Ipplepen plus 15 minutes walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Saturday June 20th 10.00am RIVERSIDE VALLEY PARK & MATFORD SCRAPES - Meet at bottom of Salmonpool Road (off Topsham Road), Exeter. Grid ref: SX932911. Parking is limited so please use nearby Rivermead Road and walk to start. The first of two walks today - this area is a good one for a variety of dragonfly species. Bus „T‟ to top of Salmonpool Lane/Buckerell Lodge. 3 hrs £5

Saturday June 20th 2.00pm LUDWELL VALLEY PARK - Meet at Pynes Hill (from Countess Wear roundabout, Exeter, take the B3181 towards Honiton (then ignore slip-road for Honiton and look for left turn to Pynes Hill). Meet in front of NFU building. Grid ref: SX949908. In search of bee orchids. Bus 52, 57 or 85 to Countess Wear roundabout plus 15 minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Friday June 26th 2.00pm STEPS BRIDGE, NEAR DUNSFORD - Meet at Steps Bridge car park. Grid ref: SX803884. Bus 359 to Steps Bridge. In search of the high brown fritillary. 4 hrs £5

Saturday June 27th 2.00pm COLATON RALEIGH COMMON - Meet at “Woodbury Castle Fire Point 15” car park (not the estuary view car park) on the Exmouth side of the castle. Grid ref: SY033872. We will be searching for the silver-studded blue butterfly today. 4 hrs £5

Monday June 29th 2.00pm MELDON RESERVOIR – Meet Meldon Reservoir car park. Grid ref: SX562918. New territory to explore. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday July 1st 2.00pm STOVER - Meet at the car park (pay & display £1.20). Grid ref: SX832749. Dragonflies. Bus X38/39 to Drumbridges. 3 hrs £5

Friday July 3rd 2.00pm MANSANDS - Meet at Woodhuish car park – (follow signs from the B3205 for Colaton Fishacre. When the road turns left then right, take the left turn then continue ahead signed to Woodhuish Farm. The car park is on the right after half a mile). Grid ref: SX910523. Please note there are two steep ascents, one of them very steep, the other prolonged. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday July 8th 2.00pm TOPSHAM - Meet at Holman Way car park (pay & display 80p). Grid ref: SX968882. Birds, flowers and insects. Bus T to Holman Way or bus 57 to Station Road plus 5-minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Friday July 10th 2.00pm ASHCLYST FOREST - Meet in the Forest Gate car park. Grid ref: SX999995. One of my favourite butterfly venues with a chance of white admiral, silver-washed fritillary and purple hairstreak. 3 hrs £5

Tuesday July 14th 8.00pm MAMHEAD NIGHTJAR EVENING - Meet at the car park. Grid ref: SX920807. 2 hr walk - £5

Wednesday July 15th 2.00pm HALDON - Meet at the Haldon Forest car park. Grid ref: SX882846 (pay and display - £2). Take sharp turn to Dunchideock off A38 just before racecourse. Butterflies and other insects. 4 hrs £5

Friday July 17th 2.00pm CULVER COMBE, CHUDLEIGH KNIGHTON. Grid ref: SX847784. A chance to visit the home of Gina Rooth and Robin Khan to see how they are creating a haven for wildlife. Gina will be providing refreshments after the walk. BOOKING IN ADVANCE ONLY – DIRECTIONS WILL BE SENT BY POST. Sorry no dogs allowed on this walk. Bus 39 to Chudleigh Knighton plus 15 minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Saturday July 18th 2.00pm PULLABROOK WOODS - Meet at Reddaford car park, first turning on the right after crossing the cattle grid on B3344 Bovey Tracey to Manaton Road. Grid ref: SX785794. Butterfly walk. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday July 22nd 10.00am MUSBURY & LOWER BRUCKLAND PONDS - Meet at Musbury Village Hall car park. Grid ref: SY273946. Dragonfly watching at Lower Bruckland Ponds. 4 hrs £5

Friday July 24th 2.00pm BRANSCOMBE - Meet at the Forge car park, Branscombe (donation in wishing well) Grid ref: SY197887. A small colony of chalkhill blue butterflies were discovered recently in this area. 3 hrs £5

Saturday July 25th 2.00pm CHUDLEIGH KNIGHTON HEATH & LITTLE BRADLEY PONDS - Meet along the road verges at Chudleigh Knighton heath. Grid ref: SX837776. More dragonfly watching. 4 hrs £5

Sunday July 26th 2.00pm MUTTERSMOOR & HILL - Meet at Peak Hill car park (not Jacob‟s Ladder car park), near Sidmouth. Grid ref: SY109873. Heathland butterflies. Bus 52 to The Triangle, Sidmouth plus 45 minute walk up Peak Hill to start. 3 hrs £5

THERE WILL BE NO WALKS BETWEEN 27 JULY AND 25 AUGUST

Wednesday August 26th 11.00am ORLEY COMMON - Meet at the car park that is just west of Ipplepen village towards Torbryan. Grid ref: SX827665. Wildflowers and butterflies – we will search hard for the elusive brown hairstreak. Bus X64 to Ipplepen plus 15 minutes walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday September 2nd 2.00pm ORLEY COMMON - Meet at the car park that is just west of Ipplepen village towards Torbryan. Grid ref: SX827665. Wildflowers and butterflies – we will search hard for the elusive brown hairstreak. Bus X64 to Ipplepen plus 15 minutes walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday September 9th 11.00am WEMBURY - Meet in the beach car park. Grid ref: SX518484 (pay & display). Birds, wildflowers and insects. 5 hrs £5

Wednesday September 16th 11.00am EAST PRAWLE – Meet in the village car park at East Prawle. Grid ref: SX781364. First of a series of walks in the South Hams. Please note you need to be sure-footed for this route. 5 hrs £5

Friday September 25th 11.00am START POINT – Meet at North Hallsands. Grid ref: SX817288. Birds, wildflowers and insects. Please note you need to be sure-footed for this route. 5 hrs £5

Wednesday September 30th 11.00am EAST SOAR – Meet at East Soar car park (Higher Soar). Grid ref: SX712376. Migration. 5 hrs £5

Friday October 2nd 11.00am THURLESTONE – Meet at the beach car park. Grid ref: SX676419. Last walk in the South Hams this year. 5 hrs £5

Saturday October 3rd 2.00pm AYLESBEARE COMMON – Meet at Joney‟s Cross car park on the A3052 Exeter to Sidmouth Road (by turning for Hawkerland, about half a mile on the Sidmouth side of the Half Way Inn). Grid ref: SY057897. Autumn heaths and woodland. Bus 52A/B to Joney‟s Cross (request stop). 3 hrs £5

Monday October 5th 10.00am STOVER COUNTRY PARK – Meet at the car park (pay & display £1.20). Grid ref: SX832749. The fungi season begins with a double-walk day. Bus X38 or 39 to Drumbridges. 3 hrs £5

Monday October 5th 2.00pm OUT ALONG THE BOVEY – Meet at Station Road car park, Bovey Tracey (with the toilet block and small wooden tourist information building – pay & display £1). Grid ref: SX814781. Bus 39 to Bovey Tracey. 3 hrs £5

Friday October 9th 11.00am BRIXHAM & BERRY HEAD – Park along Berry Head Road and meet at start of Brixham Breakwater. Grid ref: SX931566. In search of purple sandpipers, cirl buntings and seabirds. 4 hrs £5

Sunday October 11th 11.00am-1pm Killerton – An Introduction to the World of Fungi. Cost £7. Booking in advance only through the National Trust on 01392 881345. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Sunday October 11th 2.00-4.00pm Ashclyst Forest – An Introduction to the World of Fungi. Cost £7. Booking in advance only through the National Trust on 01392 881345. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Monday October 12th 10.00am HALDON - Meet at the Haldon Forest Park car park (pay & display £2). Grid ref: SX882846. From Exeter take sharp turn to Dunchideock off A38 just before racecourse. Annual fungi walk. 4 hrs £5

Thursday October 15th 10.30am-12.30pm Abbeyford Woods, nr Okehampton. Fungus Foray. Cost £5. Booking in advance only through Forest Enterprise on 01392 834233. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Thursday October 15th 1.30-3.30pm Abbeyford Woods, nr Okehampton. Fungus Foray. Cost £5. Booking in advance only through Forest Enterprise on 01392 834233. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Sunday October 18th 2.00-4.00pm Ashclyst Forest – An Introduction to the World of Fungi. Cost £7. Booking in advance only through the National Trust on 01392 881345. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Monday October 19th 10.00am MUTTERSMOOR & BULVERTON HILL – Meet at Peak Hill car park (not Jacob‟s Ladder car park), near Sidmouth. Grid ref: SY109873. Heath and woodland fungi. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday October 21st 2.00pm BOVEY VALLEY WOODS - Meet at Reddaford car park, first turning on the right after crossing the cattle grid on B3344 Bovey Tracey to Manaton Road. Grid ref: SX785794. Annual fungi walk. 3 hrs £5

Thursday October 22nd 11.00am-1.00pm Rosemoor Gardens, Great Torrington. Fungus Foray. Cost £8 members of Royal Horticultural Society, £14 non-members. Booking in advance only through Rosemoor Gardens on 01805 626800.

Saturday October 24th 10.30am-12.30pm Abbeyford Woods, nr Okehampton. Fungus Foray. Cost £5. Booking in advance only through Forest Enterprise on 01392 834233. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Saturday October 24th 1.30-3.30pm Abbeyford Woods, nr Okehampton. Fungus Foray. Cost £5. Booking in advance only through Forest Enterprise on 01392 834233. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Wednesday October 28th 11.00am DAWLISH WARREN - Meet at the far end of the car park (pay & display - £1). Grid ref: SX980787. Birds, birds, birds. Please note no dogs allowed on this particular walk. Bus 2 or train to Dawlish Warren. 4 hrs £5

Friday October 30th 10.00am FINGLE BRIDGE, nr DREWSTEIGNTON - Meet at Fingle Bridge car park. Grid ref: SX744898. More mushroom hunting. Please note you need to be sure-footed for this route. Bus 173 to Castle Drogo plus 30 minute walk to start. 4 hrs £5

Sunday November 1st 11.00am-1.00pm Killerton – An Introduction to the World of Fungi. Cost £7. Booking in advance only through the National Trust on 01392 881345. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Sunday November 1st 2.00-4.00pm Ashclyst Forest – An Introduction to the World of Fungi. Cost £7. Booking in advance only through the National Trust on 01392 881345. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Wednesday November 4th 10.00am NEWTON POPPLEFORD Route 1 - Meet at Newton Poppleford car park. Grid ref: SY086896. Up the river to Tipton St John – mainly birds. The first of two walks today. Bus 52A/B to Newton Poppleford Memorial. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday November 4th 1.30pm NEWTON POPPLEFORD Route 2 - Meet at Newton Poppleford car park. Grid ref: SY086896. An exploration of the Harpford Woods area. Bus 52A/B to Newton Poppleford Memorial. 3 hrs £5

Friday November 6th 1.30pm HEMBURY WOODS & HILL FORT - Meet at Hembury Woods Grid ref: SX729681. Take the Buckfastleigh turning off the A38. Go past Buckfast Abbey and very shortly afterwards take the next turn on the right to Buckfast (easily missed). Go through Buckfast village and take right fork signposted Hembury Woods. After bridge, ascend the hill and park on left hand side of the road where it levels off at top or turn in on the left to park at the picnic area. Late fungi walk. 3 hrs £5

Monday November 9th 1.30pm STEPS BRIDGE, NEAR DUNSFORD - Meet at Steps Bridge car park. Grid ref: SX803884. Annual fungi walk along the wooded Teign. Bus 359 to Steps Bridge. 3 hrs £5

Tuesday November 10th 11.00am-1.00pm Rosemoor Gardens, Great Torrington. Fungus Foray. Cost £8 members of Royal Horticultural Society, £14 non-members. Booking in advance only through Rosemoor Gardens on 01805 626800.

Wednesday November 11th 1.30pm KNIGHTSHAYES COURT, NR TIVERTON - Meet at Knightshayes Court car park. Late fungi walk in National Trust parkland. 3 hrs £5

Friday November 13th 1.30pm CASTLE DROGO - Meet in National Trust car park. Grid Ref: SX725903. New territory to explore. 3 hrs £5

Sunday November 15th 11.00am-1.00pm Killerton – An Introduction to the World of Fungi. Cost £7. Booking in advance only through the National Trust on 01392 881345. Book early to avoid disappointment – limited numbers only.

Monday November 16th 10.00am RIVER AXE – Meet at the lay-by on the Seaton to Axmouth road shortly after crossing the river bridge at Seaton. Grid ref: SY254902. Winter bird watching. Please note that if we visit Seaton Marshes & Colyford Marshes dogs are not allowed. Bus X53 to Seaton plus 15-minute walk to start. 4 hrs £5

Wednesday November 18th 1.30pm BUDLEIGH SALTERTON TO OTTERTON – Meet at White Bridge, near Budleigh Salterton. Grid ref: SY077831. Potter along the Otter. 3 hrs £5

Friday November 20th 10.00am SIDFORD – Meet at Sidford main car park. Grid ref: SY135900 (pay & display £2). An all day level walk of about 6 miles out along the Byes and back, with chance of purple sandpipers on Chit Rocks and a tea-stop at Jacob‟s Ladder café, Sidmouth. Bus 52A/B to Sidford. 6 hrs £5

Monday November 23rd 1.30pm KILLERTON - Meet at Killerton car park. Grid Ref SS977002. Winter ramble. Bus 1 to turn off to Killerton (request stop) plus 15 minute walk. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday November 25th 1.30pm STOKE CANON – Meet at the level crossing. Grid ref: SX938979. Riverside ramble. Bus 55 to Stoke Canon Inn. 3 hrs £5

Friday November 27th 10.00am EXMINSTER MARSHES – Meet at the RSPB car park (cross over railway bridge and turn sharp right). Grid ref: SX954872. Winter bird watching. Bus 2 to Swan‟s Nest roundabout. 3 hrs £5

Saturday November 28th 1.30pm RIVERSIDE VALLEY PARK & MATFORD SCRAPES - Meet at bottom of Salmonpool Road (off Topsham Road), Exeter. Grid ref: SX932911. Parking is limited so please use nearby Rivermead Road and walk to start. Exploring the watercourses of the Exe where kingfishers and green sandpipers are regularly seen. 3 hrs £5

Monday November 30th 1.30pm POWDERHAM TO TURF – Meet at Powderham Church. Grid ref: SX972844. Birdwatching along this popular estuary path. Train to Starcross or bus 2 to Kenton. Both entail 30 minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Wednesday December 2nd 1.30pm TOPSHAM – Meet at Holman Way car park (pay & display 80p). Grid ref: SX968882. Birds, birds, birds. Bus T to Holman Way or bus 57 to Station Road plus 5-minute walk to start. 3 hrs £5

Friday December 4th 1.30pm STARCROSS – Meet at Starcross car park (free). Grid ref: SX976822. Not a great distance covered on this walk but plenty of birdwatching. A good area for turnstone, kingfisher, greenshank and goldeneye. Wellingtons recommended. Bus 2 or train to Starcross. 3 hrs £5

Saturday December 5th 12.00pm ROADFORD RESERVOIR – Meet at the dam car park SX425895 (pay & display £2). Winter bird watching. Cafe and toilets at start. A walk of two halves with wellingtons needed for the second half. Goosanders to roost. 4 hrs £5

A NEW PROGRAMME WILL FOLLOW IN JANUARY 2010