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Description
Hembury Woods has the River Dart running along it's Eastern edge where Bláþyrill, Fossbúi, Straumerla and Gulönd can often be seen. On the Western edge of the site is Hembury Castle (not to be confused with Hembury near Honiton or Hembury Castle near Tythecott in Devon), whilst most of the site is heavily wooded with Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) the Western side has more open areas where Garðsöngvari, Trjátittlingur and rarer Grágrípur can be seen depending on season. The now uncommon Stubbspæta can sometimes be seen and the wooded areas are also a good site for Flekkugrípur during summer.
Non avian species include Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), Greater Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) and Britain's rarest butterfly the High Brown Fritillary (Fabriciana adippe), so it's not surprising the site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Details
Access
The A38 (or Devon Expressway) passes Buckfastleigh midway between Exeter (to the East) and Plymouth (to the West), if travelling from Plymouth come off the A38 at Dart Bridge sliproad signed Buckfast/Totnes A384. At the next junction take Left turn signed Buckfastleigh/Buckfast A3380, (A*) continue on this road until next roundabout and take Right turn signed Buckfast/Scorriton/Holne. At next roundabout (Tucker's Market) take Left turn, continue on this road and take Right turn signed Buckfast (NOTE VERY SMALL SIGN) into Higher Mill Lane. Continue on this road which turns sharp Left (now called Grange Road), BE AWARE ROAD NARROWS, continue on Grange Road and after sharp Right turn the road slowly climbs and eventually becomes more wooded, continue until reaching a lay-by and car park on the Left. NOTE there is another smaller car park near Hembury Castle.
If travelling from Exeter come off A38 at Darts Bridge sliproad signed Buckfastleigh/Totnes A384/Dartmouth/Kingsbridge A381, at next junction turn Right signed Buckfastleigh/Buckfast A3380, this road crosses over the A38, from here follow road from (A*) above.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , RiverConditions
Flat , Hilly , Rocky , SlipperyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , SummerBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migration , SummerRoute
Unpaved road , Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Nearby just to the North West is Venford Reservoir and River Dart Valley.