Berry Head National Nature Reserve

Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise Interaction

2012-01-04T11:31:00.004Z

Bottlenose Dolphin Image: Charlie Phillips

Steph one of our fantastic volunteers has been studying cetacean (whale and dolphin) activity off Berry Head NNR as part of a research project. Being a dedicated student she came in on Christmas day and was rewarded with some very strange behaviour. A singular Bottlenose Dolphin was interacting with a Harbour Porpoise. Dolphins are known to attack and kill Porpoise, and although hard to tell it seemed the Dolphin was coraling the Porpoise, forcing it out of the water and butting into the side of it. Steph observed the behaviour for over 50

minutes, until a group of Bottlenose Dolphin came into the area and they all moved off together.
The same behaviour has been observed today off the headland. This activity has been reported to the Seawatch Foundation for them to assess. Steph took photos included below, they show clearly the size difference, the Bottlenose Dolphin being 2-3m long and Harbour Porpoise around 1m.

Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise Image: Steph Wright

Fort Repair Work 'Capped Off'

2011-12-08T11:20:00.005Z

David Lilley (left) David Carlisle (right)

The three year fort repair project has reached an end with a symbolic cap stone being returned to its position after years on the ground in the Northern Fort.

David Carlisle has worked with the trainee rangers and volunteer David Lilley on this important project made possible by the Heritage Lottery funded 'On The Edge' project. David is a stone mason that specialises in heritage work, using traditional methods and lime mortar. The project was granted permission by English Heritage as the forts on Berry Head are a Scheduled Ancient Monument and therefore highly protected. The work involved consolidating stonework through re-mortaring joints and also removing invasive plants such as Valerian that damage the walls as their roots get into the mortar joints and pull the stones apart. All of the Monument has been returned to a good state of repair - ensuring its protection for many years to come. More recent historic buildings such as the Royal Observer Corps posts have also been worked on to ensure their protection.

The trainees that have assisted with the project this year commented '‘It was fantastic to work with an expert of a traditional skill. It was also great experience working on a historic monument that is so well protected. After completion of the work we had a real sense of accomplishment, knowing we helped keep such a special place preserved for future generations.’

Trainee Rangers on Berry Head

2011-11-04T09:09:00.009Z

As part of the 'On The Edge' project we have been able to offer year long placements at Berry Head NNR. There are four Trainee Rangers with us each year, unfortunately this is our last year of the programme. The trainees undertake a Diploma in Environmental Conservation, and have a training budget to get certificates in chainsaw, first aid, brushcutting and more! They assist with all aspects of the National Nature Reserve including practical work, patrols, wildlife surveys, events, visitor centre and education groups. This gives them a good range of experience to then apply for assistant ranger posts when they complete their course. Here are a few quotes from them!

'The reserve we work at is for me one of the best aspects of the job. I never get tired of that view from the headland. The variety of work helps to keep the job varied and interesting' Dan Nuttall

'I have really enjoyed my time so far at Berry Head. Its been great working and learning with such a lovely team of people. I'll feel sad to leave in March but more confident in my abilities'. Lisa Tully

The trainees have been carrying out several research projects including the productivity of the Guillemot colony i.e how many succesfully fledge. Lisa has been researching the dung beetles in the cow pats - looking at the different species and numbers, with nearly 1000 in one pat! They have also carried out research on whale and dolphin activity off the headland and butterfly surveys - alot of this data is sent to organisations as part of national surveys, so is very important for looking at how populations are doing over the country.

Fort Wall Repair Nears An End

2011-10-21T15:20:00.007+01:00

Trainee Ranger Tom Sparkes working with David Carlisle (right)

David Carlisle has been working away on the Scheduled Ancient Monument with the Trainee Rangers for 3 years as part of the 'On The Edge' project.

The fort walls and buildings are over 200 years old, and needed consolidating to ensure their protection for the future. David Carlisle is a professional stone mason and one of the few local people to still understand the art of working with lime mortar, rather than the cement that is used in modern brick work. His painstaking work over the last three years has all been approved by English Heritage as the forts are highly protected as a Scheduled Monument. David Lilley, one of our volunteers, has assisted with alot of the work throughout the project, and greatly enjoys the walling work. The Trainee Rangers have also worked very hard under Davids supervision learning the art of working with lime mortar and limestone blocks, making sure the consolidation work matches the origional stone work. David will be completing the work over the next month - putting the sandstone capping stone back on the pillar in the north fort as the grand finale!

A completed section of repaired redoubt wall in the Southern Fort

Rare Bird at Sharkham Point

2011-09-26T15:58:00.003+01:00

A local birdwatcher Josh Marshal spotted a Red - backed Shrike at Sharkham Point this morning. This beautiful bird was showing well on top of a patch of scrub in a field near the headland. Slightly larger, but slimmer than a house sparrow, this bird was a female in its first year plummage - so not as easy to recognise as the male. They are passage migrants moving south for the winter - they feed on insects and small birds and mammals. They have the unusual habit of holding a larder of food, impaling finds on a thorn or wedging them in a branch. Due to its dramatic decline in numbers it is a red list species.

Ranger Chris Smallbones took these shots today

Whats an ROC Post?

2011-08-22T11:57:00.008+01:00

The Brixham Battery Heritage Centre volunteers put on a great show on Berry Head NNR on Sunday. They were stationed at the two Royal Observer Corps (ROC) posts on the headland. The older building was an observation post for enemy aircraft during the second world war, volunteers were highly trained in identifying aircraft at height and acted as an early warning post, and also assisted in guiding damaged aircraft home.

The other post is an underground nuclear monitoring station, volunteers were posted in there 24 hrs a day. It was a cramped, damp space and must have been claustrophic to work in - equipment on the outside of the building was used to monitor the threat of a nuclear attack.

These buildings alongside the Napoleonic fortifications are a reminder of the important role Berry Head protecting our nation over hundreds of years.

Battle for Berry Head - some more pics

2011-08-18T15:17:00.007+01:00

Here are some more photos for you to enjoy from the Battle for Berry Head event. Over 2,500 people attended over the weekend and the event also raised valuable funds to assist in the management of this National Nature Reserve by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.

Battle For Berry Head!

2011-08-15T09:43:00.004+01:00

You can't have missed the Battle for Berry Head last weekend! The Napoleonic Association camped on the headland in traditional tents for the weekend and bravely battled the French bluecoats to win back the South Fort. Hundreds of visitors enjoyed the weekend of musket firing, soldiers drilling, battles and children's dressing up not to forget the good food and beer!

Enjoy this link of the battle filmed by a member of the public: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMC30pjUcVU

With thanks to the support of all our volunteers, trainees and the Napoleonic Association for making the weekend such a success!

James' Roe Deer

2011-08-15T09:30:00.002+01:00

Volunteer James Andrew is a keen wildlife photographer, he was happily walking one of his regular routes around Berry Head NNR when he nearly tripped over a female Roe Deer it was so close! Having his camera at the ready he took some lovely shots of it before it decided to bolt off into the undergrowth.....

2011-08-05T14:51:00.004+01:00

Tony Green has sent us some lovely pictures of the buzzard flying over Berry Head, it can been seen regularly around the rangers office with its young. The young bird was in the cow field trying to catch butterflies the other day!

He also caught a great shot of a Cirl Bunting taking flight:

TRUST NEW MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE

2011-07-26T09:54:00.002+01:00

Membership of the Trust now includes free entry to National Trust properties at Greenway House, Coleton Fishacre and Kent's Cavern as well as the usual free parking at Trust sites and 10% off the Occombe Farm and Guard House cafe at Berry Head - all for just £25. Visit the Trust website at http://www.countryside-trust.org.uk/ to by online, ask a Ranger at Berry Head or contact the main Trust office at 21 Old Mill Road, Torquay TQ2 6AU on 01803 606035.

Nigels Photos!

2011-07-12T10:57:00.006+01:00

Berry Head manager Nigel Smallbones has been taking some fantastic shots of the headland's wildflowers and views. The recent wet weather has meant a second flush of wildflowers on the headland. We have carpets of Autumn Squill flowering, Vipers Bugloss, Stonecrop and the White Rock Rose is back in flower.

Vipers Bugloss

Autumn Squill (purple flower)

and Stonecrop (white flower)

south slope main headland

Countryside Rangers Enjoy Berry Head!

2011-07-12T10:27:00.004+01:00

The Countryside Management Association held their south west AGM at Berry Head NNR last week. The group of rangers and countryside managers from throughout the southwest region enjoyed a talk about the 'On The Edge' project. This 1.8 million project to rejuvenate Berry Heads heritage is sadly in its last year. The rangers were particularly interested in the new visitor centre, grazing of the headland and community involvement work. They then enjoyed a fantastic lunch at the Guardhouse cafe, before enjoying a site tour with manager Nigel Smallbones.
The group were really impressed with the site, its new facilities and the amount of activity on the headland with different groups of all ages getting involved in this fantastic National Nature Reserve.

Dingy Skipper!

2011-05-22T15:30:00.005+01:00

Dingy Skipper ( James Andrew)

Thanks to Tim Williams - entomologist, and his thorough surveying of Berry Head, a small population of dingy skipper have been found in the quarry. This species is often overlooked as it is easily mistaken for a moth, and true to its name is quite 'dingy' in colour. A close look reveals a beautiful butterfly, it is a warmth loving species found on south facing slopes, cliffs and quarries. It feeds on Birds Foot Trefoil which is in abundance in the quarry.

James - the volunteer that took these photos, also got a great shot from the quarry of a Herring Gull with a common starfish - sunday lunch!

Duke of Edinburgh Students

2011-05-22T15:12:00.004+01:00

A new group of students from Churston Ferrers Grammar School have started their bronze Duke Of Edinburgh awards. The group are volunteering on Berry Head - they give up their Tuesday evenings to take part in conservation and maintenance work on the headland. This is to cover the 'service' part of the award. They will be carrying out projects over 3 months including growing vegetables, path clearance, bird feeders, litter picking and braken bashing. Their time in helping out on the headland is really appreciated - we hope they appreciate the value of Berry Head over this time and learn about its fantastic wildlife.

Dormouse surveys

2011-05-10T11:12:00.004+01:00

We have been surveying the dormouse tubes and boxes that were put up at Berry Head NNR, Sharkham Point, The Grove, Occombe and Scadson Woods. Anne Roberts that set the project up has to be present as the licensed Dormouse handler. A small group of volunteers joined Anne to carefully check the tubes and boxes for any signs of dormouse activity. This could be a temporary nest, chewed nuts or a maternity nest. There was no sign of dormice yet - this isn't unusual as the boxes and tubes have only been up for a month. We did find signs of small mammal activity with chewed leaves and seeds in a few boxes, and lots of beetles!

Splosh Marine Project

2011-05-10T11:01:00.003+01:00

The Splosh project has been underway again this year, thanks to funding from Aim Higher. The project is to raise awareness about our marine environment, and also to encourage secondary school students to higher education - either college or university. The students visit Berry Head NNR, The Seashore Centre at Goodrington and Living Coasts in Torquay. They carry out different activities at each site all based around the planets changing climate and the effects on the marine environment. This includes rock pooling for climate indicator species, marine litter survey, a marine CSI style autopsy on a killer whale, and fossil making.

The students from years 7,8 and 9 at Torquay Community College all got really involved in the visits and gained alot from their field trips. A lucky group was then chosen to work with an animation artist from the company Blind Ditch. They worked with artist Volkhardt Muller to create animation films - a painstaking process as you need around 25 images to make 1 second of film! The students worked really hard to create their various stories which are currently being edited and will then be posted on our website on youtube.

Adders in action

2011-04-25T09:33:00.004+01:00

Two male adders

C. Smallbones

Ranger Chris Smallbones has enjoyed some spectacular sightings of adders this spring. Basking in warm south facing coastal slopes, they have been making the most of the 'Loving Our Limestone' proejct work that the Occombe ranger team have been working on through the winter. This project involves clearing scrub of coastal areas of Torbay, to encourage the regeneration of important limestone grassland, that is very rich in many species of wildflowers.

Chris watched male adders fighting for territories and over females, and also caught the rare sight of adders mating.

The male adders are much lighter and whiter than the browner females; both having the distinctive zig-zag black line down the centre of their bodies. The male and female also have piercing red eyes. They are our only poisonous snake, but are very shy, so you are lucky to see one! Keep an eye out for them in quiet, warm areas of the coastline this summer.

Male (left) and Female Adder

C. Smallbones

Cirl Bunting nest building

2011-04-22T10:32:00.004+01:00

The Cirl Bunting have started to make there nests and set up territories around Berry Head over the last few weeks. Despite the harsh winter we had good numbers of this beautiful bird feeding on the seed we put out for them near the bungalow. They have dispersed around the site now, and are making nests in the scrub patches on the headland. Mike Langman took this photo (above) in the South Fort of a female gathering nesting material at the end of March.

Male Cirl Bunting M. Langman

The breeding has begun

2011-04-08T10:29:00.004+01:00

In the gully now all of the shags couples are heading off into breeding. There are at least 6 eggs in total, though one nest is so well hidden that you can only see the edges sticking out behind a rock wall. We counted five nests, but one of them has been abandoned so it is four ‘working’ nests altogether.

Also a seal has been seen playing in the bay below the gully. There are Bluebells coming out all over place as well as Buttercups. It is lovely. So why don’t you come by and bring your binoculars, see if you can spot all the nests. And if you are lucky you could see a Black Cap on your way and maybe a Song Thrush or two.

If you have a closer look around Berry Head you can find the Early Purple Orchids and Honewort coming out as well.

Huge excitement at Berry Head this morning

2011-04-01T13:18:00.000+01:00

Breathless visitors were coming to the bungalow this morning reporting the sight of a Blue Whale. Of course we did not believe it - at first. But when the coastguard called in about half an hour later to confirm that it was seen again by fisherman heading towards Torquay we sure had to.

Sure it is not common in these parts but a first sighting of a Blue Whale had been made in 2008 in Ireland and was even caught on camera.

Unfortunately our spotters this morning did not have a camera handy but we promise to post any pictures as soon as we get them.

Blue Whales were nearly extinct and it is great they’re returning to the Northern Atlantic, though none have been spotted this far South yet.

This is a great day for Berry Head and Devon.

Here are some facts for you: Blue Whales are mammals in fact the largest on the planet, they are a much endangered species. Their length can be up to 100 feet and they weigh up to 200 tonnes. Their tongue alone weighs as much as an Elephant and their heart as much as a car.

They are usually around the Equator line during our winters and migrate to Polar Regions for summer to feed in the krill rich (tiny shrimplike animals that occur in vast amounts) waters. That might be an explanation why one could be seen this morning; it might just have taken a wrong turn.

Whale, like other Sea Mammals, are depending on sonar for their orientation, their sound can reach under water as far as 1000 miles. A submarine somewhere in the Atlantic can disturb this really sensitive giant. You sure heard of whales being washed up on shores, scientists do blame the submarines in part for this.

Now let’s hope that this one will find its way back to where it belongs.

SHAGS AND EGGS by German volunteer Kiki

2011-03-25T14:06:00.009Z

Well to be precise there is one visible egg in one of the shags nests in the gully.

There are three couples in the gully, two of them seem to be brooding already while the last one is still putting some finishing touches to its nest and they were just mating.

This tiny beautiful flower is called Sea Storksbill and it is rarely seen in flower. Its growth is limited to coastal areas in the South and West of the UK. You will find it on the right hand side of the North Fort down at the benches.

Most of the spring flowers are now in full bloom and the Head is sparkling in hues of yellow and purple. More of the blackthorn is starting to flower adding bright white to the mix.

And also more and more birds are being spotted. There was a couple of swans flying right over the Headland, Wheatears are frequently spotted now and also a Black Redstart has been reported. A Firecrest was seen at the pond last week. It is the smallest bird in the UK and very beautiful.

The peregrines are being very active and are circling around the cliffs and so do the buzzards.

Moving on ..

2011-03-18T15:42:00.005Z

Peacock Butterfly

Its always sad when its time for our trainee to leave, after a year of working with them they are off to new horizons. Some are still applying for jobs - a tough time in the current job market, one has succesfully gained employment on the Farne Isles.
We have succesfully recruited for our final year of trainee rangers - 5 new placements will be starting in April.

Its feeling like the main season is upon us - school groups are booking in, the event programme is getting busier, butterflies are on the wing, seabirds are settling on the cliffs and birds are claiming their territories out on site. We have good numbers of newts active in the heath pond, and lots of adders have been seen on the lower cliffs at Sharkham Point. Anticipation of warm days and wildflowers .....

Palmate Newt

German volunteer first impressions – Guest blogger Kiki, German volunteer for two months, about her first days at Berry Head

2011-03-03T16:53:00.001Z

Birds, birds and more birds…

Being wholly unused to taking a closer look at any bird or listening to their sounds I am totally overwhelmed by their vast variety on Berry Head. Besides the all present gulls and pigeons we saw Great Tits and Blue Tits, Robins, a few Sparrows, the quite rare Cirl Bunting, Pied Wagtails and of course Magpies.

There was a Green Woodpecker to be heard and many different calls and songs of birds. My colleague thought she heard a Blackcap, but it could not be seen. It is really amazing once you give it some attention. It then becomes a lot of fun when you are actually are able to distinguish the different kinds of birds by their song. I might become a twitcher yet…

But that is only half the fun up here. The wonderful paths through woods and over meadows have their fair share of indigenous or simply beautiful plants and flowers. Being a native German speaker I get to pester my new colleagues about the names of all of them.

I can tell you there’s a lot of intake in just a couple of days. Yesterday I got to see porpoises, 3 of them! That was really a surprise; I never expected to see any kind of Dolphin anywhere near Europe. And this morning we saw two Gannets, the largest seabirds in Europe (or so I’ve been told) – quite impressive.

It seems spring has set on early this year and every day there is a new flower starting to blossom. The Shags are busy building their nests in the gully (3 couples) and also among the Guillemots on the cliff.

I am blown away by the beauty up here and I feel like I am in Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ in a fair elfish country under some spell. Well if I am don’t wake me up please!

Gannet photo courtesy of M Darlaston

Sping is Springing

2011-02-25T13:47:00.007Z

Spring is on the way at Berry Head, with birds singing, buds sprouting and carpets of violets appearing. Primrose (Primula vulgaris) and cowslip (Primula veris) have also been spotted around site. The cowslips' name comes from the Old English word meaning cowpat, as they were often seen sprouting in them. It can be recognised by its drooping yellow flowers.

Nine Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo) were seen soaring over our office yesterday. Buzzards are not often seen in such large groups except during migration when many flock together to take advantage of air currents.
Birds are also singing now, listen out for Great Tits, Blue Tits, Robins, Dunnocks, Greenfinches and Cirl Buntings all around the Berry Head office. Now is a great time to practice your bird call ID so go outside and see what you can find.

Bat Camera - nearly there!

2011-02-22T11:32:00.004Z

The installation of the bat camera has been continuing with 'Outersight' - the company that has provided all the equipment. They have been on site connecting up the power and signal to the camera and checking it is all running ok. They are then back in this week, with a representative from Devon Bat Group to install the camera and infra-red lights into the cave. Then as the bats come in to the maternity roost we should be able to enjoy images of them and hopefully their young. This will be an important research and monitoring tool for us aswell as a fantastic way to raise awareness of these often misunderstood creatures. We may even get live streaming of the bat camera and seabird camera onto the internet - watch this space!

Dormouse Surveys

2011-02-14T10:27:00.005Z

A local volunteer and licenced Dormouse handler Anne Roberts, has been busy looking for suitable sites around Torbay to survey for these beautiful and endangered creatures. There are very few records in this area, but there has also been limited surveying so it's really important to do some more extensive checks, to see if they are present on our sites. We have chosen an area of thick bramble and hawthorn at Sharkham Point to survey. Anne has put up tubes , these will then be checked on a regular basis over a year. We will also be putting tubes up in areas at Berry Head NNR and some boxes up at The Grove. Anne is also surveying areas in Paignton and Occombe. Dormice hibernate through the winter, and become active again in Spring when there is plenty of nuts, flowers and insects to feed on. Although we always think of them being in hazel coppice, they are found in a wide range of habitats aslong as there is a good source of food for them.

Dormouse nest (Anne Roberts)

Dormouse surveying tube (Anne Roberts)

Bat Camera

2011-02-03T09:04:00.006Z

We have been busy laying the cables for the bat camera that is going to be installed in the maternity roost of the Greater Horseshoe Bat colony. The large and very heavy drums of cable were loaded onto the tractor and a plan of action was made! Peter one of our volunteers helped us with this job as he is a retired civil engineer. Everything went according to plan and the cable is now ready for connection. Next week the camera will be installed and fingers crossed everything will work!

The footage will be shown on the screen in the Visitor Centre along with images of the seabird colony. This will be a great addition to the centre and a fantastic resource to educate people about bats and their importance. It will also be a lovely start to our popular bat walks; we also hope in the future we could get a live feed onto the berry head website.

Happy Frogs!

2011-01-24T10:49:00.008Z

Having re-lined the heath pond, the volunteers were back in wellies clearing out the office pond. This had become very overgrown with plants and was in danger of drying out. The volunteers removed areas of plants and also gave the edges a good cut back. This will be an improvement when activity starts this Spring. Amphibians are always on the look out for breeding areas - it is well worth setting up a wildlife pond in your garden. You will be amazed at what you'll get in the smallest of areas. Don't stock with fish though -as they feed on tadpoles and other native wildlife!

The 'Chytrid' fungus is threatening populations of amphibians, surveys are being carried out to monitor the extent of this fungus. Please look out for signs of skin reddening, excessive shedding and unusual behaviour e.g. seizures in frogs, toads and newts. More info on: http://www.amphibianark.org/the-crisis/chytrid-fungus/

Seabird Bonanza!

2011-01-12T15:51:00.004Z

Gannets (M Darlaston)

Mark Darlaston has been carrying out the winter seabird counts off Berry Head. There have been incredible numbers of seabirds - 10th Jan there were 2,800 razorbills and guillemots passing the headland and over 500 Gannets. On the 7th Jan there were 12,800 auks passing the headland, mainly Razorbills with over 5,600 in just one hour!

Berry Head is a fantastic birding spot all year round, if you can brave some rough, windy, wet weather this is a great time to spot seabirds, as they come in closer to the coast to aid their navigation. These seabirds are feeding around Lyme Bay through the winter, there have been large numbers of Gannets diving off the end of the headland over the last week.

Auks (Guillemot and Razorbill) passing the headland (M Darlaston)

Rain, frogs and mud!

2011-01-07T10:49:00.007Z

Despite the heavy rain on Thursday the volunteers turned out in force to repair the pond in the heath. We emptied large amounts of water into old wheely bins so we could have some 'matured' water to refill with once lined. This is important as the water in the pond not only holds lots of animal life but also has balance nutrient levels and a biology of its own - unlike the chlorine laden tap water we drink!

The volunteers bailed out the water and found many balls (Charlie the jack russell is very happy about this!) and there were also frogs and newts in the plant matter and mud - these were carefully removed and put in a mud pile next to the pond. The plants were all taken out - a tough job as they had formed a large matt of roots. These were also placed at the side of the pond so any creatures could easily find there way back to the water. We then layed a carpet to help protect the liner (thanks to Pete for his old carpet!). There was then an underlay put down, covered by a butly waterproof liner and this was then covered with an overlay to protect the liner from damage by things such as dogs claws - phew! We then put the water back in from the bins and about half of the plants - these will soon re-grow.

As always a big thank you to the volunteers that worked so hard to acheive this task in a day, in very wet weather. It will be great to enjoy the wildlife in the pond that will benefit from this work.

Pond Repair

2011-01-05T09:20:00.002Z

The artificial pond in the heath at Berry Head has no natural source of water so always suffers from low water levels in the summer. However it has been gradually leaking more over the last few years, so the volunteers are going to help us to re-line it. As Berry Head is a limestone headland it is very free draining so there are no areas of standing water for wildlife. The pond in the heath is therefore an important source of water for birds, mammals and of course the reptiles and amphibians whose lifecycles rely on the water. If you explore the pond you will discover palmate newts, frog and toad spawn in Spring, dragon and damselfly, grass snake...and much more! We will be relining the pond with a butyl liner that should last for many years to come (funded with thanks to the Heritage Lottery). Please keep your dogs out of the pond - not only are they destructive to any spawn, they also have chemicals on their coats from flea treatments and shampoos that are harmful to pond life, and their claws can also pierce the new liner!

Redwing and Fieldfare visit us

2010-12-23T09:26:00.005Z

Redwing (M Langman)
The cold weather has brought some unusual visitors to the headland this year, Redwing and Fieldfare are often enjoyed in the winter fields in Devon but we rarely see them on Berry Head. There have been large flocks of both birds making the most of hawthorn berries around the site, we have also had Lapwing and Golden Plover in the fields feeding.

The Redwing is the UK's smallest true Thrush, look out for the creamy stripe above the eye, and red patch just below the wing. Fieldfare are large colourful thrushes, they stand very upright and move with purposeful hops! look for them in large flocks. They spend their summers in Northern Europe and move south to feed in the winter, they have been further south due to the harsh winter we have had.

Volunteer Christmas bash!

2010-12-23T09:18:00.002Z

An enjoyable evening was had by all as we celebrated Christmas with the Berry Head volunteers at Weatherspoons in Brixham. Volunteers assist with all aspects of the National Nature reserve from practical work, staffing the visitor centre, wildlife surveying to photography and litter pick/site patrols. They are a truely dedicated team assisting throughout the year in whatever weather Berry Head throws at them - which is always interesting in the winter! So thankyou to all of you for your hard work and dedication to the headland, have a fantastic Christmas break!

Heathland restoration work

2010-12-16T08:58:00.008Z

We have already 'blogged' about the exciting discovery of the wasp spider in the heath - the work to restore this site has been a laborious process! About 5 years ago we started a programme of cutting the gorse out of this area, it had completely taken over, with few heather plants surviving. This was hard and painful work - the gorse seems to get through the best of gloves! all the gorse was taken to the quarry and burnt- which volunteer Pete always enjoys! Over the last 5 years the work has continued with different areas being cut each year to slowly increase the heather growth. It is amazing to see the regeneration of the heather - lowland heath is one of our rarest habitats and this little area is a real gem. The heath also has a pond that we are restoring over the next month as it is leaking. Adders, common lizard, slow worm, grass snake, toad, common frog- all use this area so it is real amphibian and reptile hot spot. Students from Plymouth university have been carrying out various wildlife surveys in the heath to monitor the heather re-growth and reptile habitats. Come and have a look - it is one of Berry Head's hidden gems!

Grass snake (left) Slow worm (right) credit: D Ellacott

Special Christmas membership offer

2010-12-08T12:34:00.000Z

Enjoying the great outdoors is cheaper and easier thanks to a promotional discount of £5 off annual membership of the Trust until Christmas Eve.

We have reduced our membership from £25 to £20 as a special offer before Christmas - making a great Christmas present for people who enjoy visiting some of the Bay’s best and most scenic places or who want to make getting exercise outside one of their New Year’s resolutions.

The Trust membership package includes free car parking at Trust sites including Cockington Higher Lodge and Berry Head as well as invitations to exclusive member events and priority bookings on Trust events.

For an additional £10, members can also receive a 10% discount in the Occombe Farm shop and café every time they visit, as well as all the other benefits of belonging to the Trust (the offer does not apply to Gribble’s butchery at Occombe).

The Trust also offers a Nature Ranger’s Membership specifically for children, with challenges and stickers designed to encourage them to get outside and explore the natural world. Children’s membership costs £12 for a year, with discounts for siblings.

The Trust has 1800 members and the membership scheme contributes significantly to the Trust’s fundraising income, enabling it to carry out a range of projects including its much-needed regeneration project at Berry Head and a proposed new plan for work on Cockington Country Park.

Membership is available from Occombe Farm and the visitor centre at Berry Head, (open Sundays). Memberships can also be bought before 20 December by visiting www.countryside-trust.org.uk or by phoning the Trust on 01803 606035.

Wasp Spiders in Heath!

2010-12-08T11:07:00.003Z

While hand cutting the gorse this week with the volunteers, we discovered strange flask shaped structures. These are the egg sacks of the Wasp spider (Argriope bruennichi), the female is very striking with a distinctly marked silvery thorax and black and yellow striped abdomen, she is 11-15mm. The male is much smaller at 4-5mm and pale brown. This spider is confined to the south of the country and lives in long grass, catching insects particularly grasshoppers in her low web. They establish in unmanaged grasslands where the egg sacks can survive, as there is no threat of them being cut or eaten by unsuspecting animals. We left the areas where the egg sacks were found, and as the heath is cut in rotation - with different areas cut in different years; we hope they will become established here on Berry Head.

Fungal Forey Day

2010-12-08T10:23:00.008Z

Despite the harsh cold weather we had a suprising range of finds on the Fungal event. Dr Christian Taylor led the fully booked event on Berry Head NNR at the weekend. We explored the woodland, heath and meadow areas and found lots of different species that specialise in those habitats. Fungi are the 'forgotten kingdom' and are vitally important in the recycling and breaking down of dead plant and animal matter. Dr Christian covered their biology aswell as identifying them, and answering the ever present question 'can I eat that one'! We then had a cook up to try the few edible species we had found, and also enjoyed a talk about fungi from the comfort of the office. We will definitely be running this event again next year!

Jelly Ear fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae)

Candle Snuff fungus (Xylaria hypoxylon)

Dead Mans Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha)

Snow has arrived!

2010-12-03T13:19:00.005Z

Despite being sub zero on Berry Head for the last week, we hadn't seen any snow. However yesterday it arrived - the site had a dusting of the white stuff and a searing cold wind to go with it. The cold weather brought in Golden Plover amongst the Lapwing - they can still be seen in the main meadow and fields behing the Bungalow. Violets are in flower on the road to the hotel - looking very picturesque amongst the snow.

The gates have now been installed at the sides of the cattle grids, these are two way, self closing gates with a 'trombone' handle to aid people with mobility problems. The Soay sheep should be joining us in a few weeks, depending on the weather.

Winter woolies!

2010-12-01T12:09:00.003Z

Great Northern Diver Berry Head quarry

No snow so far, but Berry Head is living up to its reputation of being a few degrees colder than anywhere else in Torbay! The icy north winds are driving across the site - even the Guillemots have decided enough is enough and stayed out to sea. The cold has brought unusual visitors such as Lapwing to the fiends and a Little Egret was on site the other morning, the Lapland Bunting can still be seen around the Cafe. Still the work carries on.. and the volunteers have been out cutting the South Fort moat to maintain this fantastic grassland area. This is a hot spot in the summer for butterfly species such as Common Blue, Holly Blue and Skippers, we also get Dark Green Fritillary here - this all seems a distant memory at this time of year, but it is always worth remembering when you're head down against the wind!

Thank you to all our volunteers who are so dedicated - and hardy!

Lapland Bunting on Berry Head

2010-11-25T13:37:00.003Z

Andrew one of our trainee rangers spotted an unusual visitor to Berry Head yesterday - a Lapland Bunting. This bird can be seen in this country in the winter - but usually on the east coast. Andy was enjoying a hot chocolate in the cafe when he noticed it feeding around the picnic benches - it is still there today so come and enjoy!

Photo: Mike Langman

2010-11-11T10:19:00.001Z

The new flock of sheep are soon to arrive on Berry Head as part of the more extensive grazing of the headland. This is under the direction of Natural England - that oversee the management of all National Nature Reserves. At present we have to spend masses of man (person!) hours cutting the limestone grassland by hand and raking it off each winter. We also fight a continuous battle with scrub encroachment onto the important grassland by plants such as blackthorn and gorse. The new grazing compartments - winter- the main headland, summer- the south fort and surrounding area; are defined by the cattle grids.

The grazing will be closely monitored and will be a much more natural way of managing the grassland areas. This will be a big change for Berry Head and an obvious concern for dog walkers - we ask that people remember this is a Nationally Important Site and that the grazing is an essential part of keeping it that way.

Guillemots and more!

2010-11-11T10:15:00.000Z

There have been hundreds of Guillemots back on the cliffs since the middle of October, with numbers sometimes reaching 1000! You have to get out early though as they seem to be there from first light and leave by around 9.30am.

Other sightings include Harbour Porpoise off the headland - up to 6no., Pallas Warbler, Black Redstart, Goldcrest and Firecrest, large flocks of Goldfinch. We are now putting winter feed out for the Cirl Bunting on the DVOR path up from the bungalow - so look out for flocks of over 20no.

Reedbed restoration continues

2010-10-05T14:18:00.000+01:00

The Earthworks conservation volunteers from the London area have been hard at work in the remains of the Broadsands reedbed. They have been continuing the task of clearing out the willow, alder and scrub which would eventually take over the reedbed and dry it out. This group has been working on the project for the last 3 years, and the improvement to the site is fantastic. The Phragmites reed is returning and a lovely mix of wildflowers are also spreading. Reedbeds are a scarce and threatened habitat - although this is a tiny area of the once impressive reedbed habitat at Broadsands it is vital to maintain it.

Fulmar Chicks Still About

2010-09-14T12:37:00.000+01:00

One of our volunteers has been surveying the Fulmars on Berry Head this summer - a few of the pairs still have chicks on their nests - although quite large they still have their fluffy plumage, so will be here for a few more weeks. The climbers are now allowed back on the cliffs as the restrictions are lifted at the end of July so they had better watch out as the Fulmars have a lovely habit of regurgitating their stomach contents over anyone / anything they see as a threat!

Footpath Surfacing with D of E Students

2010-09-03T12:37:00.000+01:00

The Duke of Edinburgh group have been continuing their hard work on Berry Head. THis time they have been surfacing a new footpath with gravel, the path is important as it allow people to get off the narrow approach road to the headland. Last week the group cut willow for an art event from Broadsands Reed Bed - next week it will be something different again!

Dolphin & Whale Watching Week a great success!

2010-08-20T12:36:00.000+01:00

The National Dolphin and Whale watching survey carried out from Berry Head last week was a great success. Volunteers covered two hour slots from 7am to 5pm every day for 9 days - 90 hours of watching. We had over 53 volunteers assisting and many hundreds of visitors joining in to see what what out there. Sightings included Harbour Porpoise and Bottlenose Dolphin, and many seabirds from Gannets, Fulmar, Shearwater, Great Black Backed Gull and Shags. The project is really important to build up a record of what is around in our coastal waters. Thank you to everyone who helped.

It's National Dolphin & Whale Watching Week!

2010-08-09T12:34:00.000+01:00

Every day this week we'll be out on the headland from dawn to dusk (just about!) to record activity as part of this national event.

We began on Saturday and so far have spotted:

Saturday 7 August:
7.15 - 8.08 2 Harbour Porpoise
10.25 - 10.35 Two Harbour Porpoise.

Sunday 8 August:
9.58 One Harbour Porpoise.
10.20 Four Harbour Porpoise.
12.30 - 12.31 Two Bottlenose Dolphin.
13.15 - 13.40 Ten + calf Bottlenose Dolphins.

Above is a photo of bottle nosed Dolphins taken by Paul Albrechtsen at Berry Head on Friday.

Other wildlife sightings included a Basking shark in the Brixham Breakwater area over the weekend and we have seen many seabirds from Berry Head including Gannets, Shearwaters, Skua to name a few.

Traditional skills in action at The Grove

2010-07-30T12:34:00.000+01:00

The repair work to the boundary walls continued last week with a Stone Faced Banking Course. This traditional skill builds a face of stone which is backfilled with earth and compacted. The course was instructed by David Carlisle, who is currently busy carrying out extensive consolidation work to the Fort Redoubts on Berry Head NNR.

Check our events diary for other walling courses in the area.

Duke of Edinburgh Group repair pond

2010-07-30T12:33:00.000+01:00

A bronze Duke of Edinburgh students have started voluntary work on Berry Head, as part of the 'service' for their award. They have been getting stuck into re-fencing the pond in the heath. This has suffered from dogs running into it which damages the spawn and water quality as dogs have flea treaments in their coats that are harmful to wildlife. The group join us every fortnight and will be helping with various projects around the Brixham sites.

The heath pond will be re-lined this winter when it is causes least disturbance to the pond life.

Churston Ferrers Grammar School 'Time Team' Project

2010-07-22T12:32:00.000+01:00

All Year 8 students were set a challenge to work in teams to provide some new interpretation material for the rangers to use with visitors or schools. They all carried out a visit to learn about the history and geography of the headland. They then researched information on the headland, making use of the new visitor centre.

In school the groups worked really hard to produce quality materials from board games, models, to presentations and posters. Some of these materials will be displayed on Berry Head next year, last years winners will soon be displayed in the Artillery Store.

Paignton Community College Students Volunteer on Berry Head

2010-07-22T12:31:00.000+01:00

Paignton Community College Students volunteered on Berry Head as part of their activities week. The students helped with litter picking, ragwort pulling, path clearance and carried out a rockpool ramble at Shoalstone Beach. Their hard work was really appreciated by the Rangers, one group were also treated to a basking shark off the end of the headland!

Buuterfly Orchids!

2010-06-25T12:26:00.000+01:00

Chris Smallbones, Berry Head Ranger, was pleased to discover Greater Butterfly Orchids growing at The Grove Woodland last week. This is the first time we have seen them on the site, although they have been recorded there before. The meadows at the Grove are also full of Common Spotted Orchids - its a great time to enjoy the meadows and then take some shade in the woods - the thinning of the larch is having a positive effect on the woodland plants. There are many native saplings coming through from ash to oak and beech, and many wildflowers are also coming through on the woodland floor now more light is coming through the canopy.

Rockpooling Fun

2010-06-13T12:24:00.000+01:00

This week has seen lots of school groups enjoying Berry Head for field visits. They have been rockpooling at Shoalstone Beach learning about the fantastic marine life in Torbay. An enormous edible crab was caught by some pupils (with the help of their teacher!) from Watcombe Primary School - the shell was over 40cm wide! After some debate about its value for lunch it was carefully returned.

The groups have also been studying the history of Berry Head and carrying out habitat work and pond dipping.

Photo: Common Prawn, Chris Proctor

Bee Orchid Chicks & More

2010-06-01T12:17:00.000+01:00

The group on the wildflower walk at the weekend with Nigel Smallbones, were treated to the first Bee Orchid of the season. This is flowering on the bank opposite the visitor centre. The wildflowers are going over quickly at the moment as it has been so dry and warm (not that we want to complain!) The Harbour Porpoise are active off the end of the headland again, we havent had any sighting for around a month, so it is great to have them back.

Have we got our first Guillemot chick of the season? We're not sure, the trainees working on the study plots were sure they had one at the weekend. They are very hard to see even with the camera, as the adult birds shield them carefully under their wings to help avoid them being predated on by crows and gulls. Come and have a look at the LIVE images in the visitor centre.

Baskers & Bakers

2010-06-01T11:44:00.000+01:00

We have had some breaks in the weather over the Bank Holiday - luckily one of these was for our Easter Treasure Hunt that was nice and busy with getting on for 100 people enjoying the trail around the headland to get their egg prizes!

The sunny spells have also tempted reptiles out - atlast, we usually see our first emerging adders in February but this was the first spotted last week by Chris and Janet Proctor (image C Proctor).

Chris Smallbones the site Ranger was also treated to common lizards in the heath on Sunday, a sign that our restoration work is really taking effect.

Singing in the Sun

2010-05-23T12:17:00.000+01:00

The sunny weather has meant alot of activity on Berry Head, aswell as lots of visitors enjoying the site, there is alot of wildlife about. There are lots of whitethroat singing from the top of scrub bushes. These small birds have a very loud song and look like little punks with their crests up as they sing! There are also lots of butterflies around from common and holly blue, wall brown, orange tip, small white, peacock and red admiral feeding on the many wildflowers that are now out on the headland.

Manx Shearwater Rescue

2010-05-10T11:51:00.000+01:00

A Donald Percivell from Brixham brought a Manx Shearwater into the office at the weekend. It was obviously exhausted but had no obvious signs of damage, Ranger Chris Smallbones contacted the RSPCA. THey collected the bird and are treating it, and checking it over. So we hope it will recover and be released back into the wild soon. These beautiful seabirds migrate to South America in winter, but breed on the North Atlantic Coast with large colonies around Great Britain and Ireland. They nest in burrows and lay a single egg, which they visit at night to avoid predation by large gulls.

Ruby Reds Are Back!

2010-05-08T11:49:00.000+01:00

The Trusts herd of Ruby Red Devon cows are back on Berry Head and Sharkham Point. They are grazing the grasslands and their dung is a valuable source of insects for our Greater Horeshoe Bats and for birds to feed on. Green winged orchids have started flowering on Berry Head, there are also lots of Early Purple Orchids out at the Grove and on the headland, the bluebells are finally flowering, and the meadows are full of buttercups.

Inspired by Berry Head

2010-04-29T11:48:00.000+01:00

A book of poems about Berry Head was presented to our new Visitor Centre yesterday. The Poetry for Pleasure group, based at Brixham Library, includes poets who exchange ideas and feedback, as well as those who enjoy listening to poetry.

Berry Head was chosen as a theme, all of the group were amazed at the scope and the variety of contributions. No two people had approached the subject from the same angle. The aspects chosen ranged from the geological and historical, through pastoral and botanical to the emotional and personal - how the beauty and wonders of Berry Head made people feel.

Photo:Mary Williams (Poetry for Pleasure), Angie Weatherhead (Community Librarian)

Mary Willliams, of the Poetry for Pleasure group thought it would be a great pity for the poems to be put into desks or folders and be forgotten or mislaid. On behalf of the group she compiled the poems and with another Brixham Artist, Sally Taylor, illustrated the poems and assembled them into a small book. Each copy contains poetry alongside beautiful hand illustrations. Pop in to the Visitor Centre and have a look for yourself!

Traditional Skills

2010-04-25T11:47:00.000+01:00

A fully booked course to learn the skill of Dry Stone Walling was a great success this weekend. The session was led by Devon Rural Skills Trust instructor David Carlisle. The group were repairing a section of boundary wall at The Grove Woodland built of limestone quarried from the site, it is over 200 years old. They repaired a large section of wall, and even had time on Sunday afternoon to get a taste of the skill of stone faced banking aswell. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and are keen to learn more traditional rural skills. Keep an eye our for more courses in our summer events programme

Digging Up The Past

2010-04-21T11:46:00.000+01:00

100 Eden Park Pupils joined us on Berry Head yesterday, they brought with them the sunshine and a visitor - Paddington Bear from London. The bear was on an exchange visit to learn about Brixham and we think he enjoyed his visit! The children from years 1 and 2 learned about the history of the headland - they met a Napoleonic soldier and carried out a mini archaeology dig, hunted for rubbings on the ruins and learned about how the headland had changed over time.

The Seabird walk on Sunday was also well received, the group enjoyed a detailed tour with Nigel, watching the guillemots, kittiwake, shags and fulmar and also taking in the spring flowers that are coming out on the headland. Early Purple Orchids are now in flower on the south side of the main headland, aswell as white rock rose.

Bushcraft Fun

2010-04-10T11:45:00.000+01:00

Our family bushcraft event was fully booked this week, we had fantastic weather for the groups to enjoy the day. Dan Nuttall led the event and is an expert in many aspects of bushcraft and wild camping. This family event was an introduction to the concepts of bushraft and the groups enjoyed learning the art of firelighting - particularly the fire steel! They also prepared and cooked some unleven bread, and then built a shelter only using what they could find in the woods.

The bat walk last night was also fully booked, it was the earliest we have run one, usually waiting until later in spring. However the gamble paid off as the group were treated to a great show of Lesser and Greater Horseshoe Bats and Pipistrelle whizzing about. The evening was lovely and calm its always nice to enjoy the site late in the evening as the stars come out.