Discover bees, bugs, birds and sea creatures in Braunton this spring

Discover bees, bugs, birds and sea creatures as part of a busy programme of events at Braunton Countryside Centre this April.

They include four guided tours as people are invited to join the centre’s knowledgeable volunteers to search for wildlife and plant life in Braunton and the surrounding area.

On Wednesday, April 8 Debbie Frazer will lead a Braunton Bee & Bug Hunt. Join Debbie to search for bumblebees, solitary bees and other invertebrates, while learning how to identify and record these species to help conservation efforts.

Above: This April, go rockpooling on Saunton beach with marine ecologist Mark Ward. Credit: Braunton Countryside Centre

Meanwhile, on Saturday, April 11 local birding expert Andy Leat will lead a family-friendly Braunton Birdwatch along the banks at Crow Point. Andy will be looking out for warblers including sedge warblers and willow warblers, arriving from Africa.

Discover the hidden wonders of North Devon’s rocky shoreline with marine ecologist Mark Ward on a Seashore Safari at Saunton Beach on Thursday, April 16. Online booking is essential.

Above: On April 11 join birding expert Andy Leat for a guided birdwatch to Crow Point. Credit: Braunton Countryside Centre

On Saturday, April 18, well-known local naturalist Mary Breeds will lead a Spring Dune Walk to search for the unique spring flora and fauna of Braunton Burrows – a wonderful way to get closer to nature and appreciate this very special ecosystem.

Mary, who is Mary a local naturalist and co-chair of the North Devon Environmental Trust, which runs the centre, said: “We’re incredibly lucky to have such diverse habitats right on our doorstep and we love helping people explore them.

“Spring is such an exciting time to get outside and do some nature-spotting and our volunteers have a wealth of knowledge to share!”

Finally, anyone interested in attracting more wildlife to their garden is invited to the Wildlife Gardening and Plant & Seed Swap event on Saturday, April 25.

People are welcome to go along to swap and share their plants and seeds at this free community event. The centre has partnered with Devon Wildlife Trust to offer drop-in activities throughout the day, focused on wildlife-friendly gardening.

Above: You can find Braunton Countryside Centre at Caen Street Car Park in the village. Credit: Braunton Countryside Centre

Details of all events can be found on the Braunton Countryside Centre website at https://www.brauntoncountrysidecentre.org Please note, some events require advance booking. The centre asks for a suggested donation of £4 per person on the day (under 16s go free).

All profits go directly towards running the Centre and maintaining a vibrant events programme. Please email info@brauntoncountrysidecentre.org with any queries.

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