IRON MILL STREAM
A mosaic of well-hedged pastureland, ancient woods, conifers and fast-flowing streams
The tucked-away parts of mid-Devon, near Oakford, offer lesser-known tracts of countryside that can be a haven for wildlife. Fast-flowing Iron Mill Stream meanders through deeply wooded hillsides before meeting with the much larger River Exe, and the variety of habitat on the walk makes for good birding in an idyllic setting. The only downside is the Pheasant shoot that occasionally blights the locality.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
From Oakford a footpath heads south(ish), through fields down to Town Wood. Swallows and House Martins quarter the fields near the village. Buzzards climb the thermals above the wooded valley and may offer the spectacle of a mobbing by Ravens. Look out for regular farmland and hedgerow species: Dunnock, various tits, Pheasant, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Rook, Kestrel, Blackbird and Starling.
2 The path descends through Town Wood to Iron Mill Bridge, a good site for Pied and Grey Wagtails, Dippers, Grey Herons and a possible Kingfisher.
3
The footpath heads south-west, running along the south of Iron Mill Stream through delightful mixed woodland. Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers are likely as are Jays. Listen out for Song Thrush plus Wood Warbler and Chiffchaff in summer, plus a chance of Redstart, Willow Warbler and Pied Flycatcher. 4 From the ford and footbridge follow the track up through Nethercott Wood, where conifers may yield Goldcrest. A footpath then leads through hedged fields, back up to the village, with more farmland species en route – Sky Larks are likely; plus a chance of Yellowhammer. Look for Roe Deer.