Devon - Eggesford

The Eggesford woodlands within the Taw Valley provide a very rich and diverse habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals and insects. It is the site of the Forestry Commission's first planting in 1919 and some of the early trees still remain.

WHERE IS EGGESFORD?
There are two main woods at Eggesford Forest.
Hilltown Wood - By road, via A377 between Exeter and Barnstaple. The forest entrance is on the A377, 1 mile to the east of Eggesford Station - look for the Forest threshold signs.

By rail, via Wessex Trains - the Tarka Line between Exeter and Barnstaple. The train stops at Eggesford Station. Follow signs to the Eggesford Gardens and Country Centre and take the Public Footpath past All Saints Church and into Hilltown Wood.

Heywood - By road, via A377 between Exeter and Barnstaple. At Eggesford Station turn off the main A377 to Wembworthy/Winkleigh, turn right at the next junction and at the top of the hill take another right and follow this narrow road to Heywood - look for the Heywood threshold sign.

Mammals: Winding its way from its source on Dartmoor through the valleys, the River Taw is home to one of the most important and charismatic inhabitants of the river, the otter of Tarka fame, from which the Tarka Railway Line between Exeter and Barnstaple takes its name.
Red and Roe deer may be seen on early mornings or late evenings and other animals, such as foxes and badgers, are abundant. We have information about Red deer, Roe deer, Badger and Otter.

Birds: Buzzard, Raven, Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Kingfisher and Dipper can be seen or heard at Eggesford.

Insects and reptiles: An Adder or Grassnake may be seen sunning itself in warm weather. Butterflies are abundant and you may see Silver-washed Fritillary, Red Admiral, Peacock, Gatekeeper, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, or Dingy Skipper. We have information about Adder and Silver-washed fritillary