East Devon Heathlands, Toby Taylor, Wednesday 26^th October

Many of us have visited the Aylesbeare Common RSPB reserve, so we were particularly pleased that Toby Taylor, who is the reserve warden, came to give a talk to the group in October.  Apparently there has been an RSPB presence at Aylesbeare since 1976, when a Montague’s Harrier attempted to nest there. Although the harrier didn’t stay, the RSPB certainly did.  While the land is owned by Clinton Devon Estates, the RSPB leases the reserve and also works with Clinton Estates on the management of neighbouring parts of the heathland - which stretches from Aylesbeare almost to the sea.  

Heathland is a rare habitat these days - around 82% of it has been lost to farming, housing and other developments since 1800.  In ancient times, heathland may have become established when woodland was cleared by fires, and to some extent it would have been maintained by grazing animals.  But, in time, heathland returns to its natural wooded state.  In the Iron Age, much of the woodland in this area was cleared by man, creating the East Devon heaths.  The heaths are now an important habitat for Dartford Warblers (which in the UK is essentially restricted to the heathlands of Southern England) and Nightjars.  But, Aylesbeare and the neighbouring Harpford commons have an amazing range of other wildlife: Stonechats, Turtle Doves, Snipe, Woodcock, Badgers and Dormice, to name just a few. 

The East Devon pebblebed heaths are designated an SSSI, because of their wildlife value.  But the patches of wet heath are even rarer.  They support some unusual plants, such as Bogbean and Sundew, and a wide range of insects.  In fact, Aylesbeare Common reserve has the highest range of dragonflies of any RSPB reserve, with 18 different species breeding.  On the subject of insects, over 30 species of butterfly have been recorded, including Silver Studded Blue and Pearl Bordered Fritillary.  

It would be impossible for Toby and his assistant Charles to manage the reserve on their own.   First of all, they have enlisted a herd of cattle to graze some of the excess vegetation.  But they also enlist the help of bands of volunteers to help keep the woodland at bay and generally keep the place in order.  (A few from this local group help, but I am sure a few extra pairs of hands would be very welcome.) In a neighbouring area which is not managed for heathland, at Lympstone Common, trees are encroaching and the Dartford Warblers no longer breed.  But the RSPB is working with Clinton and other local landowners to restore heathland at several sites in Devon.  As well as being the result of the hard work of Toby and his team, it could not take place without the financial support from RSPB members.  So, thank you very much, everyone!   

Richard Swinbank