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Description
Bird watching along the River Otter at Tipton St John weir is a peaceful and rewarding experience, with a diverse range of birdlife to observe. The river's meandering path through lush countryside provides a perfect habitat for various species. You can spot waterfowl such as зеленонога блатна кокошка, Дива патка, and the elegant сива чапја, often seen gliding gracefully over the water. брегова ластовичка can be seen from early March and are one of the first summer migrants to return.
The riverbanks are also home to smaller, colourful species like рибарче , which dart between branches and fish for their meals, as well as the gentle song of warblers and обичен свиркач. The surrounding woodlands offer sightings of woodpeckers, црвеногушка, and perhaps even a глувчар soaring high above. With a bit of patience, you might also spot rarer visitors such as the обично попче or the elusive Мочварна овесарка making Tipton St John a charming destination for bird enthusiasts throughout the year.
The Tipton St John fish pass, designed to help migratory fish navigate the River Otter's weir, has had positive knock-on effects for local birdlife. By improving fish migration, it enhances the food supply for predatory birds such as сива чапја, рибарче, and even орел рибар, which rely on fish as a primary food source. As more fish can pass freely, these birds benefit from a more stable and abundant food chain, contributing to healthier bird populations in the area. Additionally, the presence of thriving fish species encourages a wider variety of waterfowl, further enriching the birdlife around the river.
The area is also a great place to regularly see otters and beavers.
Details
Access
Tipton St John is north of the A3052, before you reach Ottery St Mary. Parking with a donation box is found opposite the garage. A short walk through the playing field will lead you to a bridge on the old railway line. Follow the river upstream for around half a mile until you come to the weir.
Tipton St John is best traveled to by car public transport is available via bus.
allow around 20 minutes from car park to get to the weir.
Best accessed from the car park on foot.