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Description
Haldon Forest, also know as Great Haldon, is a 3500 acre forest of mostly conifer trees with some deciduous, open clear felled areas and lowland heath. The forest itself is run by Forestry England with some areas still used as a commercial forest, it has numerous waymarked paths (some very steep), once many years ago this site was 'THE' place for birdwatchers to stop at on the way to West Cornwall/Isles of Scilly/Pelagic Bird Trips, but nowadays the forest is less visited by birdwatchers, possibly due to Forestry England making trails for Nordic Walking/Segway/Cycle Trails etc making the area VERY BUSY at times especially during the Summer months. The forest is on a high ridge/escarpment and has a raptor watchpoint where Viespar were seen annually, also possible are Vânturel roșu, Șoim călător, Uliu porumbar, also the site is known for Caprimulg, Botgros, Forfecuță.
Details
Access
From the East leave Exeter on the A38 (Devon Expressway) signed to Plymouth, as the road starts to climb the road forks, take the right hand fork, still signed Plymouth, near the top of this steep road look for a left turn (signed Exeter Racecourse) and then a right turn at a small roundabout signed to Dunchideok that takes you under the road you were originally on, this road signed to Dunchideok takes you to the car park (open 0700-2100hrs Fee Payable) at the forest center on the left. If travelling from the West (Plymouth) on the A38 (Devon Expressway), when approaching the forest on a steep split level road (look for DEER WARNING roadsigns), the area opens up at the top of the ridge, take a left turn, signed Dunchideok, the forest car park is further along this road on the left.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Plateau , Moors/heathlandConditions
Flat , Hilly , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Autumn migration , Autumn , Spring , Spring migration , Winter , SummerRoute
Paved road , Unpaved road , Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , Car , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
As I said earlier this site can be VERY BUSY especially during holiday time with good weather and at weekends during Summer, a visit outside of this time is probably better. For those less able there is a trail that is suitable for wheelchairs.