BREAN DOWN
Limestone headland with scrub, cliffs and shoreline
The limestone outcrop of Brean Down, jutting into the Bristol Chanel, is the most westerly mainland part of the Mendip Hills. It is an SSSI and Scheduled Ancient Monument – fossils laid down in marine deposits hundreds of millions of years ago indicate a very different landscape to what we see today. It was a busy place during WWII and a ruined fort stands testament to that. The birding is superb, with coastal and heathland species, plus occasional rarities. Peregrines breed on the headland. Throughout the walk, the views are superb: to South Wales and the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm – offshore extensions of the limestone Mendips. Away from the vicinity of the towns, there is good birding all along this coast.
WHERE TO WATCH 1
The car park near the National Trust Café gives access to the beach which, as long as it isn’t crowded with humanity, is good for Oystercatcher, Cormorant, Lesser and Greater Blackbacked and Black-headed Gulls. Sanderling and Dunlin scurry along the edge of the waves. Rock Pipit may be seen around the bottom of the cliffs. Near the buildings look for Jackdaw, Pied Wagtail, Collared Dove, Starling and House Martin in summer.
2
The less-steep way up to the top of the headland is via the rising easterly path and there is a viewing platform part-way up overlooking the Levels and Axe Estuary. Scan the extensive flats below for Lapwing, Shelduck and Curlew. Grey Heron and Little Egret might also be about. Sand Martin are likely during spring and summer; Fieldfare on the farmland in winter. Various ducks are possible, including Pintail and Teal.
3
The top of the down is scrubby, with stunted thorn trees, a patchwork of long and cropped grass, and residual buildings from past military presence. The path on the north side heads westwards to the fort at the end of the headland, with a lofty return trip along the spine, past the trig point. Both Whinchat and Stonechat make the most of the trees and scrub, along with common species such as Dunnock, Chiffchaff and Robin. Sky Lark will be in full voice in spring. Look up for Kestrel, Red Kite and, if lucky, Marsh Harrier. A long, steep flight of steps leads back down to the cafés.