Wild About Lympstone (WAL) – our first Wildlife Wellbeing Walk
In the glorious morning sunshine of 8th November, 23 of us (aged from 9 to 97, plus Frazer the dog) set off to enjoy the beauties of walking together in Nature. It was joyful to be with so many friendly and enthusiastic people. We walked the leafy Wotton Brook, Clay Lane, Estuary View loop – everyone helping to spot wildlife and chip in with their nature knowledge. One of the top facts I took away was how clever the holly tree is did you know that it’s only the lower branches that have spiky leaves (to protect against grazing animals like deer) while higher branches have smooth leaves, which helps the tree save energy. Take a closer look when you’re next out and about!
We enjoyed a mindful minute of quiet by the Mill’s leat overflow (otherwise known as “East Devon’s highest waterfall”, according to my husband!) connecting to the sights and sounds of nature… the tumbling brook; the mighty wren’s song; the thick carpet of leaves under foot; cobwebs sparkling in the sun; the magnificent smooth bark and autumn colours of the Beach (Queen of Trees) and the abundant pillar-box red hawthorn berries against the blue sky. Such beauty.
“The well-being walk was a brilliant opportunity to get out, meet new people in our local community, and share the simple joys of nature that are on our doorstep”. Jemma
Brian regaled us with his impressive bird knowledge as we gazed over the estuary at the many overwintering birds beginning to take up residence. Birds like the elegant black-tailed godwit that arrives from its nesting grounds in Iceland. These monogamous pairing birds feed on the invertebrate rich mudflats of the Exe estuary – so nutritious in fact that a cubic metre contains the same energy as 14 mars bars!
The walk ended back at the Swan where a group of us stayed on to enjoy a drink and more conversation. A perfect end to a happy morning.
“My favourite thing about the walk was borrowing Brian’s binoculars and looking at all of the birds and insects”, Wilf (aged 9)
Our next Wildlife Wellbeing Walk will be on Saturday 7th February at 10.30, in the village. We already have people signed up and as places are limited please send us an email to wildaboutlympstone@gmail.com asap if you’d like to join. We hope to see you there!
