Celebrating Nature and the countryside.
The British Naturalists’ Association is a Registered Charity 296551
Please see below our events for 2025.
Tuesday, February 11th.
An indoor meeting at The Castle Centre, Barnstaple at 7.30pm. An
illustrated talk by Robert Irving on the “Success of the UK’s first
marine protection area off Lundy”. Friends, neighbours and relations
all welcome. Book stall and raffle. Admission £4 includes tea/coffee
and biscuits.
Sunday, March 16th.
A level circular walk around the recently created Otter Estuary
nature reserve at Budleigh Salterton. Meet at the CP* at 9.30am or if
going direct in the South Farm Road car park (Map Ref SY 070 830
)(post code EX9 7AZ) at 11.00 am for hopefully some interesting birds.
Packed lunch, warm drink and warm clothes.
Sunday, April 13th.
By popular request a visit to Dunsford Nature Reserve for a level walk
beside the River Teign. Meet at the CP* at 9.30 am or at 11.00 am if
going direct at Steps Bridge (Map Ref SX 803 882). Packed lunch, stout
footwear. Possible cream tea afterwards at the nearby picturesque
Fingle Bridge.
Sunday, May 18th.
A guided walk around the beautiful Marsland Nature Reserve for the
small pearl bordered fritillaries followed by a walk down to the coast
in the afternoon. Meet at The Pill car park in Bideford at 10.00 am or
at Marsland /Gooseham Mill (Map Ref SS 231 172) at 11.00am if going
direct. Bring a packed lunch. Possible cream tea afterwards.
June 2nd – 6th.
BNA trip to Dorset – contact Chairman Brian Sims in advance as
booking is essential for this break away.
Sunday, June 22nd.
A guided walk around Woodhouse organic farm for wild flower meadows,
birds, butterflies, dragonflies and possibly deer and otter.Meet at
the CP* at 10.15am or at 11.00am if going direct (Map Ref SS 714
221) (Post code EX36 4JH). Steepish in places. Packed lunch. Possible
cream tea afterwards.
Sunday, July 13th.
Discover some wild plant properties on a herbal plant walk on Braunton
Burrows led by John Breeds. Meet at the Sandy Lane car park (Map Ref
SS 463 350) at 11.00 am. Car park charge. Bring a packed lunch.
Possible cream tea afterwards.
Sunday, August 17th.
Another requested walk around Halsdon Nature Reserve, Dolton, through
woodland and along side the River Torridge for possible kingfisher and
sand martins. Meet at 11.00 am at the lower entrance (Map Ref SS 560
117) with sturdy footwear and a packed lunch. Possible cream tea
afterwards.
Sunday, September 7th.
A walk along the banks of the picturesque River Barle at Tarr Steps.
Meet at the CP* at 9.30am or in the Tarr Steps car park at 11.00am
(Map Ref SS 872 323) Bring a packed lunch. Level walking apart from
the car park down to the river and back. Possible cream tea
afterwards.
Tuesday, October 21st.
The red deer rut on Exmoor. Meet at the CP* at 9.30am or if going
direct then at the Simonsbath car park which has toilets (Map Ref SS
774 394) at 10.30 am. Bring a packed lunch, warm clothing and suitable
footwear.
Saturday, November 8th.
Annual General Meal, at the Royal North Devon Golf Club at Westward
Ho!, 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm. After the meal there will be entertainment
before the serious part of the evening when you decide what outings
you would like for your branch in the forthcoming year.
Sunday, December 7th.
Coach trip to the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust site at Slimbridge.
Leaving Kingsley Statue in Bideford at 8.00 am and picking up by prior
arrangement at Instow, Yelland, Fremington and Bickington before
Barnstaple Square at 8.30 am. Return journey at 4.30 pm after the
“feeding frenzy”.Although there is a restaurant on site it’s best to
bring your own refreshments as well as suitable clothing and footwear.
Non-members welcome.
Sunday, January 18th , 2026
Annual Birdwatching Bonanza. Meet at the CP* at 9.00am. If going
direct be at Dart’s Farm at 10.15am (Postcode EX3 0QH) visiting Dart’s
Farm, the RSPB Reserves at Goosemoor and Bowling Green Marsh, the
River Clyst, the Goat Walk and possibly Powderham. Packed lunch, hot
drinks, warm clothes. Level walking,
PLEASE NOTE: PARTICIPATION ON ALL OUTINGS IS AT YOUR OWN RISK
CP* is the former Park and Ride car park in Barnstaple by Park School.
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