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Description
Venn Ottery Common is divided into two roughly equal areas, the Eastern 'half' is maintained by the RSPB and can best be described as a 'dry' heath, with a number of defined pathways. The Western 'half' is maintained by the Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) and can only be described as a 'wet' heath, in fact it is extremely wet and muddy and has no defined paths, the best way to access the DWT reserve is through the RSPB reserve (SEE STAR ON MAP). During Summer expect to find (Ευρωπαϊκό) Γιδοβύζι, Θαμνοτριλιστής, Siberian Chiffchaff, Θαμνοφυλλοσκόπος. During Winter (Κοινό) Μπεκατσίνι, Κουφομπεκάτσινο, (Ευρασιατική) Μπεκάτσα can be found especially following severe cold weather further North. As well as the above Ρεικοτσιροβάκος and Μαυρολαίμης are resident.
Among non avian species: Adder (Vipera berus), Grass Snake (Natrix natrix helvetica), Slow Worm (Anguish fragile), Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara). Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris), Small White (Pieria Rapae), Green Hairstreak (Callophrys Rubi), Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae), Speckled Wood (Pararge Asteria), Grayling (Hipparchia semele), Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina), Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperanthus), Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae), Six-spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae) Fox Moth (Macrothylacia Rubi). Hazel Dormouse ( Muscardinus avellanarius, Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus reevesi). Golden-ringed Dragonfly ( Cordulegaster boltenii), Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens), Downy Emerald (Cordulia area), Small Red Damselfly (Ceriagrion tenellum) and the near threatened Southern Damselfly (Coenagrion mercurials).
Details
Access
Leave Exeter on the A379 towards junction 30 of M5 Motorway, at large Sandygate roundabout take third exit signed Exmouth/Sidmouth/Clyst St Mary and Westpoint. At next roundabout at Clyst St Mary, take second exit signed Seaton/Sidmouth and Westpoint on A3052, continue on this road, at Half Way House (look for Half Way Inn Public House on Left).
Southern Parking Area (3-4 cars), after Half Way Inn Public House turn immediately Left onto B3180 signed Ottery At Mary, continue on this road and take first Right signed Venn Ottery. Continue and take next Left fork signed Venn Ottery/Tipton St John (passing Equestrian Centre on Left), this narrower road takes you to Venn Ottery Common (South entrance), it is possible to park on road verge near reserve entrance (PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK GATES, ACCESS REQUIRED 24 HOURS).
Northern Parking Area (5-6 cars) after Half Way Inn Public House turn immediately Left onto B3180 signed Ottery St Mary, continue on this road until next crossroads and turn Right (Oak Road) signed Tipton St John. Continue straight on following sign saying Metcombe/Tipton St John at Heathlands crossroads. At next crossroads turn Left (Higher Broad Oak Road) signed Broad Oak/West Hill, immediately pull in and park on Left verge just pass telegraph pole and red letter box.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Moors/heathland , Grassland , Wetland , AgricultureConditions
Flat , Hilly , Wet , Slippery , DryCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Summer , Spring migration , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Because of extreme wet areas of parts of this site suitable footwear will be required. BE AWARE : Grazing animals are likely to be present on site.
Bird sites nearby are,
Bystock Pools Nature Reserve and Squabmoor Reservoir.
Aylesbeare Common and Hawkerland Valley.
Colaton Raleigh Common.
Woodbury Common.
Bicton Common.
All are part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heath, see seperate entries.