Dinan Way reclaimed woodland
The site where we worked today used to be an old rubbish tip, in Exmouth. The story goes that Brenda Taylor, whilst Mayor proposed that the site be set up as a woodland, and Toby, RSPB Aylesbeare warden, suggested that the RSPB could get involved by supplying work parties. That was 10 years ago and a great variety of trees have been planted on the site since. The RSPB still make time to visit the site at least once a year to check that things are ok.
Today, being Wednesday, was also the Wednesday-vols day. Every Wednesday our numbers are boosted with a group of local volunteers. Some come along to gain experience for a course they are studying, and others have been involved with the RSPB for years. As the work today was not the usual slash and burn, and with it being so close to Christmas, there was a festive spirit in the air, helped with servings of mulled wine, and Christmassy cakes.
The woodland has great views of Exmouth, but is currently closed to the public while the methane is vented from the site. It will be interesting to keep an eye on it over the coming years, and should be a beautiful and worthwhile place for the people of Exmouth to visit in years to come.
Life since the office 
I was at the Dinan Way reclaimed woodland yesterday and viewed skipper, and marble butterflies and 1 species that would not settle for identification,(possibly a brown hairsteak). Also seen was a pale clouded yellow butterfly.
An old favourite i saw was the good old grasshopper which i have noticed of late is non existent in a lot of areas. I am so pleased that this area is being preserved, this is going to help a lot of our wild insect species to survive.
Also seen was an adult fox! Maybe some butterfly bushes can be added and a pond to encourage other wildlife and butterfly species..
4 July, 2011 at 12:14 am
P.S
I would be quite happy to help introduce a pond and even by some bushes to add to the area..
4 July, 2011 at 12:16 am
Hi Paddy,
Apologies for taking a while to get back to you, I’ve been working on Dartmoor for a couple of months. I’ve passed on your message to the RSPB at Aylesbeare, where the work party that I was involved with came from. However, it might be worth discussing your suggestion with the council, as it is not the RSPB’s land.
It’s great to hear that those butterflies, and the fox, are hanging around there. Thanks for your comment. All the best,
Phil
21 August, 2011 at 7:23 am