BOSSINGTON & SELWORTHY
Moorland, woodland and coastal habitats
Back in 1944 thousands of acres of Exmoor were passed to the National Trust by the Acland family, a gesture that fitted the political ethics of Sir Richard Acland and ensured that the estate remained as a single entity, safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of those connected with it. It now offers thousands of acres for all to enjoy, with a huge range of habitats and paths for naturewatching that can yield enormous variety throughout the year.
WHERE TO WATCH 1
From Bossington village, a lane, then track, leads out to the pebbly beach, with marshland behind. Along the beach to the west lies Porlock Marsh. Once protected by shingle, this was permanently breached in 1996, resulting in salt marsh. The extensive area behind this long beach can produce many treats, including Shelduck, Redshank, Curlew, Little Egret and Oystercatcher. The area is also visited by the likes of Spoonbill and Turnstone; occasionally an Osprey appears. In winter, Great Grey Shrike and Shore Lark have been recorded. Offshore, look for Great Northern Diver in winter, Gannet and Little
Auk. Scrubby regions behind the beach host Whitethroat, Blackcap and Chiffchaff in summer.
2
The River Aller runs into the Horner and reaches the sea at Bossington Beach; the storm-tumbled mixed woodlands around the rivers are laced by fast-flowing streams. Kingfisher, Dipper and Grey Wagtail are all likely on the rivers.
3
Bossington Hill towers above the village and coastline, with high-rise moorland paths linking it to Selworthy Beacon. Buzzards rise above the woodland and Peregrine are often seen on the heights. Stonechat are frequent, Whinchat very possible, plus regulars such as Kestrel, Meadow Pipit and Linnet.
4
Many paths lead through the lush and extensive woodland that runs above the villages of Selworthy, Allerford and Bossington. Here we find Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay. There’s also a chance of Redstart and Wood Warbler.
5
Around the picturesque villages, cottage gardens are worth scanning for various tits, including Coal Tit and parties of Long-tailed Tits. Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Dunnock and Pied Wagtail can be abundant.