Butterflies

by Matt Neale | Nov 27, 2018 | Environment, Wildlife

Gardeners are encouraged to plant flowers and shrubs that are rich in nectar to attract butterflies to the garden and to provide a food resource.  However, when the only plants that are planted to attract butterflies are non-native species, you’re not going to...

Orchards

by Matt Neale | Nov 19, 2018 | Areas, Environment

Old maps of the area, dating from the mid-1800s, show extensive areas of orchard throughout the Parish of Bishopsteignton1.  The grounds of several of the old estate houses and farms within Bishopsteignton village appeared to be almost entirely occupied by orchard,...

Little Haldon

by Matt Neale | Nov 19, 2018 | Areas, Environment

Next time you are on at the top Little Haldon you might like to look away from the spectacular views and gaze at the expanse of mature lowland heathland to either side of Teignmouth Golf Club, which is of a type restricted to south west Britain.  This is of great...
Cirl Bunting

Cirl Bunting

by Matt Neale | Nov 5, 2018 | Environment, Wildlife

The cirl bunting Emberiza cirlus (pronounced sirl) is a small sparrow sized farmland bird, which almost became extinct in the UK in the late 1980s and is now confined to south-west England. This was probably due to changes in farming practices, particularly the switch...

Holm Oaks

by Matt Neale | Nov 5, 2018 | Environment, Plant Life

Next time you are out and about, look for evergreen holm oaks Quercus ilex; a common site in Bishopsteignton and in local coastal areas. Saplings often pop–up in local gardens. It was first brought to the UK over 400 years ago, it was widely planted during the 18th...