Wildlife at Eggesford

Devon
England
Crediton is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: SS 694106
EggesfordThe Eggesford woodlands within the Taw Valley provide a very rich and diverse habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals and insects. It is the site of the Forestry Commission's first planting in 1919 and some of the early trees still remain.

Mammals: Winding its way from its source on Dartmoor through the valleys, the River Taw is home to one of the most important and charismatic inhabitants of the river, the otter of Tarka fame, from which the Tarka Railway Line between Exeter and Barnstaple takes its name.
Red and roe deer may be seen on early mornings or late evenings and other animals, such as foxes and badgers, are abundant. We have information about Red deer, Roe deer, Badger and Otter

Birds: Buzzard, raven, great spotted and green woodpecker, treecreeper, kingfisher and dipper can be seen or heard at Eggesford.

Insects and reptiles: An adder or grassnake may be seen sunning itself in warm weather. Butterflies are abundant and you may see silver-washed fritillary, red admiral, peacock, gatekeeper, orange tip, speckled wood, ringlet, or dingy skipper. We have information about Adder and Silver-washed fritillary

How to get there:
There are two main woods at Eggesford Forest.
Hilltown Wood
By car
 via A377 between Exeter and Barnstaple. The forest entrance is on the A377, 1 mile to the east of Eggesford Station - look for the Forest threshold signs.
By train
 the Tarka Line runs between Exeter and Barnstaple. The train stops at Eggesford Station. Follow signs to the Eggesford Gardens and Country Centre and take the Public Footpath past All Saints Church and into Hilltown Wood.
Heywood
By car
 via A377 between Exeter and Barnstaple. At Eggesford Station turn off the main A377 to Wembworthy/Winkleigh, turn right at the next junction and at the top of the hill take another right and follow this narrow road to Heywood - look for the Heywood threshold sign.

Local Weather Forecast (Multimap)

Facilities:
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Activities:
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Activities symbols and link to the key

Please note that some areas are sensitive to erosion, and cycling is therefore restricted in those areas - please observe the signs.

     Activities symbols and link to the key

With the exception of bridleways horse riders require a permit to ride in these woods. Please contact the District Office on 01392 832262 for an application form.
   



Contact:
Glyn Bradbury
Recreation Ranger
01409 221692
e-mail: glyn.bradbury@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

What else is here

In Eggesford there is also
recreation

Useful sites

Find out more

What's the Forestry Commission doing about sustainable forestry or biodiversity? Try these links to find out.
Search our publications database for more indepth information, or look at Forest Research.

Follow the Forest Code at all times.