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Braunton BurrowsBraunton Burrows is designated as a Site of Special Interest (SSSI). it is one of the largest sand dune systems in Great Britain, nearly six kilometres from north to south and over two kilometres wide. Two thirds of the area are now a National Nature Reserve. It is home to nearly 500 different kinds of species, including very rare plants such as sea stock, sand toadflax, water germander and 33 species of butterfiles, all living in this sand environment. Wild animals live here such as rabbits, foxes, hedghogs, moles, weasels, mink, shrews and mice. From Willowfield Lake Cottages it is 500 metres to Braunton Burrows, and a 20 minute walk from the car park there over the dunes to the three miles of sandy beach at Saunton. Not far from the car park there is an enormous sand dune which children and adults alike find irresistable to slide or run down. Crow Point is another place to discover and explore. It has a small and secluded sandy beach. From the Toll road leading to the Buroows the lane takes you down to where the Taw and Torridge estuaries converge before opening out into the sea. From Crow Point you can see across to Northam Burrows and Instow beach. Braunton Marsh and Great Field can be found a little further inland connected to the Burrows. Braunton Marsh was reclaimed from the sea in the 19th century with the building of massive banks and a network of ditches (delphs) to drain the land. An outstanding community of marsh land plants, insects and related wildlife can be seen at Swanpool. Braunton Great Field can be explored through the rights of way network. It is one of only two remaining examples of medieval open field system farming in the country. Upstream from the Taw estuary and just before you enter Braunton Marshes is Velator Quay. It used to be a fishing port, but now is a sleepy home to moored boats ane river birds. It is a delightful walk from the car park at Velator down towards Crow Point. |
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