) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
Stonehouse Creek and Victoria Park were both tidal at one time. Victoria Park being filled in and turned into a park in the late 19th century, whilst Stonehouse Creek was filled in and turned into sports pitches in 1972/73, in fact the land is so low lying that both areas still occasionally flood following periods of persistent heavy rain.
(*1), press STAR on map. Stonehouse Creek, The rugby pitches here can be busy on Saturdays especially in the afternoons, a visit earlier in the day or on a weekday may be best. This large open area does occasionally have feeding Eurasian Oystercatcher, especially at high tide elsewhere. During intense freezing conditions North of the City, Northern Lapwing can be found here also. Following long periods of heavy rain shallow pools form attracting Gulls (Laridae), mostly Black-headed Gull but always worth checking for the now increasingly more common Mediterranean Gull 'loafing and bathing' in the fresh water pools.
(*2), Victoria Park, the Football pitches here are extremely busy at weekends (both Saturdays and Sundays), a visit during a weekday may be best. The centre of the park is more open but the edges have a good mixture of large mature trees, the park has good wide paths that are sometimes prone to flooding in places. During Winter Redwing, Fieldfare and Meadow Pipit are regularly seen. The gardens along the Southern edge can have Blackcap, Common Chiffchaff and the occasional Willow Warbler in Summer, on Ivy (Ilex) covered walls look and listen for Goldcrest.
(*3). On this (private) early learning site, once the site of a council bowling green, are more mature trees and rough areas of scrubland, listen out for the calls of Rose-ringed Parakeet often seen here from their main site of nearby Central Park (see separate entry - Central Park Plymouth). Check the old railway viaduct for Eurasian Kestrel often seen resting.
Details
Access
Leave the City Centre (shopping area) and head West on the A374 signed Torpoint (NOTE do not go on A374 signed Saltash/Liskeard/Tavistock), continue on this A374 signed Torpoint road, at next roundabout with group of trees on, take 2nd exit on road that goes slightly uphill. At next smaller roundabout with tall black CCTV camera, take 3rd exit into Kings Road and park on street. For more parking information see Extra Info below.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Valley , Park , City/villageConditions
FlatCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Summer , Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Stonehouse Creek has a large car park, unfortunately weekdays is permit holders only. At weekends a nominal £1 fee is payable for all day parking. Note the fans of Plymouth Albion Rugby Club and Devonport Services Rugby Club (both nearby) also use this car park on Saturdays.