Church Farm, Haccombe

Saturday 8th May 2010

Sixteen group members gathered outside Andrew and Jeanne Cooper's lovely house, overlooking a secluded valley between Newton Abbot and the coast. It was a rather grey morning, with bright intervals and occasional light drizzly showers. Before we had even set off on our walk, amid much excitement, a Red Kite was seen drifting slowly overhead, effortlessly riding the breeze. Andrew told us that this was a new species for his farm bird list.

Not so exciting, it was noticed that my car had suffered a very flat rear tyre! With Jeanne Cooper's assistance, the AA were called and their engineer agreed to time his visit so that we would have completed the first part of the walk and be back at the house. This call-out was unfortunately necessary as my car's jack is not 'fit for purpose'.

We walked down a track through fields to an ancient bluebell wood, Andrew told us that there was a regular pair of nesting Sparrowhawks in there. The farm is managed for wildlife under the Countryside Stewardship scheme. Barley is grown especially for seed-eating birds, the crop being cut and left for the wildlife. Andrew explained that in any case access was not suitable for the heavy machinery needed these days to harvest corn.

We learned about the history of the area, the main landowners in the past were the Carew and Courtney families, the farm was originally a deer farm, with no hedges or fences. (There are excellent hedges now.)

Moving on down the fields to the large mill-pond, we gathered under the trees, sheltering from a passing shower whilst we were told about the difficulties encountered in restoring what had been a very silted up and overgrown area, there were many problems using the heavy machinery necessary to do the job. Hard to imagine now, looking at the clear, tranquil water.

We continued down a track, heading towards an open-sided barn, Andrew telling us that there was a pair of barn owls and a pair of kestrels nesting within. We saw one of the Kestrels fly out as we approached, and it glided away over the fields.

Returning to the farmhouse, we enjoyed coffee and biscuits, plus the chance to browse (and buy) some of Andrew's recent publications. (And yes, the AA turned up on time to change my wheel!).

For the final part of our visit we walked back down the farm driveway to St Blaise church, where Andrew told us some of the history of this beautifully restored medieval building, with its original tombs, flagstones, and other treasures.

This was a very enjoyable morning, with the emphasis of our visit not so much on birds, but on the wildlife and history of this rather special valley.

Liz Saunders