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Description
RSPB Aylesbeare Common and Hawkerland Valley are part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heath, as well as a large area of heathland the area has woodland/steams and ponds. The public have full and free access to all areas of the Pebblebed Heath's by foot, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW). During WWII Aylesbeare had a 'dummy airstrip' that lit up at night as a decoy for nearby Exeter Airport. Also Hawkerland Valley was one of the largest American Supply Depots for the US Army leading up to the D-Day landings, some metal artifacts can still be found on site. The area is known for ruskokerttu, kehrääjä and metsäkirvinen.
Details
Access
Leave Exeter on the A379 towards Junction 30 of the M5 Motorway, at large Sandygate roundabout take third exit signed Exmouth/Sidmouth/Clyst St Mary and West point. At next roundabout at Clyst St Mary take second exit signed Seaton/Sidmouth and Westpoint on A3052, continue on this road until Half Way House (look for Halfway Inn Public House on Left), after this (still A3052) take the second turning Right (signed Hawkerland) on to minor road, immediately look for Left turn into car park (40+ spaces) just before Cattle Grid 100yds warning sign. Hawkerland Valley is on the car park side, RSPB Aylesbeare Common is on the opposite side of the A3052. WARNING: beware of traffic when crossing this road. Also BE AWARE the road on the RSPB Aylesbeare common side of A3052 is a private road, do not drive or park on this road for any reason.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Forest , Grassland , Moors/heathland , Agriculture , WetlandConditions
Flat , Hilly , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Summer , Spring migration , Autumn migration , Autumn , Spring , WinterRoute
Paved road , Unpaved road , Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Both of these sites can get EXTREMELY BUSY during good summer days especially at weekends. A visit earlier in the day is advisable. BE ADVISED please keep to waymarked paths to AVOID DISTURBANCE to breeding birds. As you can tell by map there are numerous paths over a large area, for those with restricted time can take numerous short cuts. PLEASE NOTE most birders use the RSPB Aylesbeare common site on the north side of the A3052.
Bird sites nearby are,
Bystock Pools Nature Reserve and Squabmoor Reservoir.
Venn Ottery Common.
Colaton Raleigh Common.
Woodbury Common.
Bicton Common.
All are part of East Devon Pebblebed Heath, see seperate entries.