Dartmoor is a true birdspotter’s paradise. With hundreds of miles of moorlands, rivers and woods, it’s no surprise so many birds call it home!
If you’re thinking about a holiday in Dartmoor, you’ll be pleased (and unsurprised) to hear that pretty much the whole national park offers bird sighting opportunities, such is the region’s abundance of nature.
However, if you’re coming to visit, then there are some special locations that we would recommend visiting. If you have time, try to tick these iconic Dartmoor birdspotting locations off your list!
Situated on the southeastern edge of Dartmoor near Bovey Tracey, Haytor is a wonderful region to explore, particularly for those with an interest in history.
The region is also known as Haytor Rocks due to its striking granite deposits, and there are a few relics from ancient civilisations that used the resource that can be spotted in the area.
For bird spotters, heading north on the walking paths beyond the rocks allows you to discover plenty of peaceful moorlands and grasslands. The occasional shrub and tree have further helped this place become a haven for birds.
Birds can be found on Haytor year-round. Here are some of the most popular species you might come across:
Just east of Haytor is Yarner Woods, a wonderful region of shrubs and trees filled with woodland birds. Naturally-sheltered gravel paths wind through the ancient woodland, making it a particularly accessible location.
There are two hides to be found in Yarner Woods, making it a popular spot for bird watchers. There is also a car park and visitor centre where you can find more information on the area and its species.
Yarner Woods is a particularly popular spot to view the Pied and Spotted Flycatcher from April and throughout the summer months. However, that’s just the start of what you can discover in these woodlands:
Arguably the most spectacular woodland area of Dartmoor, Wistman’s Wood is not to be missed. The high-altitude oakwood is one of the last remaining ancient rainforests in England, producing stunning moss-filled vistas.
The woods and surrounding West Dart Valley are also a haven for many species of woodland and moorland birds. While Wistman’s Wood is now protected, restricting access through the wood itself, there are ample paths around the edge that provide great vantage points to see the local wildlife.
A wide variety of woodland birds can be found around Wistman’s Wood throughout the year. Cuckoos are known to fill the air with their distinctive calls, but there are many other species to watch out for:
Teign Gorge, located near Castle Drogo in North Dartmoor, is one of the most beautiful walking routes in Dartmoor.
Often starting from the last castle to be built in England and heading down Hunter’s Path, you can walk alongside the River Teign or look down from the wooded valley. Whatever you choose, the region is rich with woodland birds.
Teign Gorge is a particularly good spot for seeing raptor species, such as buzzards. However, it’s a very rich area for wildlife and various Dartmoor birds can be found here year-round.
Here are some other bird species to watch out for in Teign Gorge and the surrounding areas:
Meldon is quite a unique spot on Dartmoor. Situated in the north near Okehampton, Meldon Reservoir sits 900 feet above sea level and offers some of the most stunning views across Dartmoor, not to mention its striking industrial heritage.
Meldon is also a particularly accessible place for birdwatchers. Sat on the famous Granite Way cycle route, there are plenty of paths through which you can explore local moorlands teeming with wildlife.
Meldon Reservoir is particularly well known for its Heron population, which feeds off the local wildlife including the reservoir fish. However, some other really exciting bird species have also been spotted in the area:
Dartmoor is truly a birdwatchers paradise, making it the perfect place for a relaxing holiday break. Mill End Hotel is perfectly placed in the heartland of the national park, making it the perfect base from which to explore.