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Description
Bystock Pools and Squabmoor Reservoir share a car park (free), situated approximately 3 miles North East of the coastal town of Exmouth on the Eastern shore of the Exe Estuary. Bystock Pools Nature Reserve is managed by The Devon Wildlife Trust (since the 1970's), it comprises of 70 acres of Heathland, Wildflower Meadows, Grassland and Woods with Pools and a man made Lake, it is at the Southern edge of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths.
Squabmoor Reservoir is owned and maintained by The South West Lakes Trust, originally built (1864-1867) as a water supply to the town of Exmouth, is now used as a fishing lake (see WARNING BELOW).
The Bystock Pools area is good for those interested in Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera), some species you can expect are, Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus), Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne), Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) and Silver-studded Blue (Plebejus argus). On dark evenings Common Glow Worm (Lampyris noctiluca) can be seen. The reserve holds a nationally important population of both Vinsanger and Nattravn amongst many other bird species.
Details
Access
Leave Exeter towards Clyst St George and follow B3179 to Woodbury, continue on B3179 that merges with the B3180 heading South West towards Budleigh Salterton. This road eventually becomes the B3179 again and passes close to the site, look for a sign to Squabmoor Reservoir on the Left, where there is a car park for both sites. NOTE: if travelling from Budleigh Salterton the Squabmoor Reservoir sign is missing. You pass Bystock Pools on the way to the car park.
NOTE: press STARS on map for more information.
As you can see by map there are extended paths outside of marked route for those with more time, a lot of the surrounding area is 'common land' with free access. NOTE: in the area you may encounter grazing animals.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Plateau , Moors/heathland , River , Lake , WetlandConditions
Open landscape , Hilly , Rocky , WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Autumn migration , Autumn , Spring , Spring migration , Summer , WinterRoute
Paved road , Unpaved road , Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , Car , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
BE WARNED: Squabmoor Reservoir is a fishing lake (sometimes 24 hours), due to conflict with some anglers near the lake by mountain bikers and careless dog owners fencing has been erected to try and solve this activity. Birdwatchers should be aware of this potential conflict when walking near the lake shore. NOTE: THERE IS NO GENERAL ACCESS TO THE WESTERN SHORE OF THE LAKE AT ANY TIME.
Bird sites nearby are,
Aylesbeare Common and Hawkerland Valley.
Venn Ottery Common.
Colaton Raleigh Common.
Woodbury Common.
Bicton Common.
All are part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heath, see seperate entries.