Description
Dunsford Wood is owned by the National Trust but is managed by Devon Wildlife Trust. The wood mainly comprises of Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) with an area of heathland at it's Northwestern end and the river Teign runs along it's Southern border.
The wood can get VERY BUSY during Spring due to the flowering of extensive 'carpets' of Daffodil's (Narcissus pseudonarcissus), a visit earlier in the day will give you the best chance of seeing the increasingly rare Малый пёстрый дятел. The area also has regular sightings of Otter (Lutra Lutra), Fallow Deer (Dama Dama) and has a number of the near threatened Wood Ant (Formica rufa).
The wood has had a long study of Мухоловка-пеструшка with Оляпка, Большой крохаль, Горная трясогузка, Жёлтая трясогузка, Белая трясогузка ssp yarrellii, Черноголовая гаичка, Пухляк and Лесной конёк all regularly seen.
Details
Access
The B3212 running from Moretonhampstead (on Dartmoor) in the West to Exeter in the East passes directly past the site. BE AWARE the main car park (FREE as of November 2021) is a short walk from the main entrance to the wood on the Southern side of the River, THIS WALK FROM CAR PARK TO ENTRANCE TO WOOD IS ALONG A ROAD THAT CAN BE BUSY AT TIMES.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Agriculture , River , Moors/heathland , ValleyConditions
Flat , Hilly , SlipperyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Summer , Spring migration , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
BE AWARE there is VERY LIMITED PARKING ON ROAD AT WOOD ENTRANCE (approximately 3 spaces), PLEASE LEAVE THIS FOR DISABLED PARKING.
Nearby up river from this site is Fingle Bridge to Castle Drogo (see separate entry).


