Westcountry Wildlife Diary

Hawthorn trees are berry fruitful in the autumn

A windswept hawthorn tree on the slopes of Little Staple Tor Ponies are the most iconic symbol of Dartmoor, but for me hawthorn trees come a close second. I love watching the trees change all year around - the leaves appearing in spring, then buds blossom as the season turns... Read more →

Wild swimming at Crazywell Pool

Crazywell Pool, Dartmoor While I'd visited Crazywell Pool on Dartmoor many times on walks and thought that it looked like a lovely spot for a wild swim, I hadn't yet done it. So at the end of August, the day dawned with a glorious blue sky and I headed off... Read more →

The Isles of Scilly are full of natural beauty

Porthcressa beach, St Mary's While the beaches empty of people during the autumn and winter months, I become a more frequent visitor. I love the coast during these seasons as there’s plenty of wildlife to spot if you know where to look. Earlier this month I was in the Isles... Read more →

Welcome to my wildlife diary

Hi, I'm Gillian and a keen walker and wild swimmer in Devon and Cornwall. I especially love walking on Dartmoor, and swimming in rivers and the sea, enjoying the beautiful coastline and countryside in the region. I consider myself to be an amateur wildlife spotter and aim to improve my... Read more →

A walk around Yarner Woods, East Dartmoor

A walk of two landscapes taking in glorious views from Smallacombe Rocks then descending into wonderful woodland. This route was walking in July 2020. Click here to find out more about the wildlife in Yarner Woods. DISTANCE: 6.5 miles (moderate, with one steep descent) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Haytor, Bovey Tracey or... Read more →

Perranporth beach and St Piran's Oratory walk

View of Perranporth beach from high cliffs Some days only a beach walk will do. I find a great sense of freedom walking along a vast expanse of sand with blue seas and skies, and the cries of gulls hovering in the wind. Unfortunately due to the storms last month... Read more →