Open moorland, a verdant quarry pond, and mire
The vast breathing space of Dartmoor offers a range of habitats in addition to open moorland. Muscular Haytor Rocks are an iconic sight and surrounding moorland is a likely place to hear Cuckoo in late spring, and much moreÉ SIMONE STANBROOK-BYRNE
WHERE TO WATCH
1 From the Visitor Centre car park the ground rises towards massive Haytor Rocks. The expansive moorland around Haytor is studded with scrubby gorse; scan this for Stonechat. Curlew and Lapwing breed in the surrounding area and this is one of the few places that we regularly encounter Cuckoo. This is access land and old granite tramways cross the moor in the area below Haytor. Look for Wheatear on exposed granite. Listen for Raven. In winter there are flocks of Golden Plover, Fieldfare and Redwing.
2 The flooded quarry just north-east of the tor is a delightful spot to linger. Firecrest have been seen here. In 2019, on the approach to the quarry, Whinchat was on the surrounding gorse.
3 Emsworthy Mire (DWT) can be accessed on foot if you wish for a longer tramp over the moor, although there is a parking area near its entrance. Once a moorland farm, the old dry-stone walls and gentle valley slopes are enticing for wildlife. Look for Redstart, Tree Pipit, Stonechat, Willow Warbler and Snipe. Green Woodpecker, Jay, Chiffchaff and Marsh Tit are also possible. Cuckoo frequent the area and Hobby and Ring Ouzel have been sighted though are not frequent. In April 2019, a Great Grey Shrike was seen here.