Berry Head, 28th April 2026

Fifteen people spent a very enjoyable (and breezy) morning at this wonderful spot. Thanks so much to Chris Grove for guiding us around. Despite the wind we had fabulous views of seabirds – nesting in the cliffs and flying with such skill in the windy conditions – dozens of Guillemots bobbing in the sea was real treat too. We spent most of our time on the cliff top itself, but there’s a hide with great views too. 

Many of the smaller birds were sheltering out of the wind … so a bit harder to spot. But we still managed to see/hear 28 birds including the very special Cirl Bunting – excellent for such a windy day!

It was fun to have the opportunity to explore the headland. An iron age fort, developed at the end of the 18th C to defend against Napoleon. Now houses a beacon used for air traffic control. 

As we made our way around, our paths crossed a couple of times with a group from ‘Life on the Edge’. We had a brief chat about their very interesting 5-year invertebrate project (£2.2m funded by the National Lottery). More info on their website: https://southdevon-nl.org.uk/projects/life-on-the-edge/ 

The site’s flora is also of interest – some of us saw a Broomrape – a parasitic plant that grows into the body of another plant … and sucks it dry! A real pest in agriculture … but an interesting find for us. 

A chance encounter with a botanist, Alex helped identify a couple of rare species particular to the site – bulbous meadow grass, and white rock rose (only found in 2 locations in the UK).   

To finish off, as I walked back to the car park a Peregrine parted my hair!!! I was up close to the fort wall (to avoid the wind) when it flew up and over and almost landed on my head! Can’t say I saw much … but the noise was amazing – a huge whooshing noise. Alex ran over to confirm it happened … I was a bit too stunned to be sure!!! 

The trip was made all the more special when Jackie and I realised we shared a past – Jackie worked with my mother-in-law in Bolton for 20 years – such a small world!

Flora, fauna and friends – a great day out!

Nancy Craven

28 species identified (H – heard only)

Cormorant, Great Black Backed Gull, Fulmar, Gannet, Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Swallow, Swift, Blue Tit, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Cirl Bunting, Whitethroat (H), Meadow Pipit, Stonechat, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Chiffchaff.