A day at Braunton Burrows (Discovery Days)

The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve will be explored in two Discovery Days:

• Braunton Burrows Discovery Day on Sunday 29 June 2025 (this page), and
• The North Devon Biosphere Discovery Day at Merton on Saturday 5 July 2025 (see here)

Braunton Burrows, the largest sand dune system in the UK, lies at the heart of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Braunton Countryside Centre

Morning Programme

To be held at the Braunton Countryside Centre, Caen Street, Braunton, EX33 1AA (brauntoncountrysidecentre.org)

• 10:30 Refreshments (provided courtesy of the Bideford and North Devon Branch of the Devonshire Association)
• 11:00 Welcome and introduction to the day by Simon Timms, President of the Devonshire Association
• 11:15 A talk by Mary Breeds, ecologist, botanist and Chair of the Devonshire Association’s Botany Section. This talk will be an introduction to the special nature of Braunton Burrows, its wildlife and ecology, and will include a short film titled “Braunton Burrows – Sands of Time” (developed as part of the Centre’s Connect 2 Nature project) and a Q&A session. There will also be time to browse the Centre’s exhibits.

Additional information: The Centre is located in Caen Street Car Park, so ample parking is available (for charges, please see the Parish Council website here). Step-free access to the Centre (including the toilets) is available and assistance dogs are welcome. Maximum number of attendees: 50

Braunton Burrows

Afternoon Programme

To be held on Braunton Burrows.

14:15 – 17:00 A choice of four guided walks is being offered:

• Walk 1: “Wild Flowers of Braunton Burrows” – led by Mary Breeds, ecologist, botanist and Chair of the Devonshire Association’s Botany Section. Meet in the Sandy Lane Car Park (///maddening.tricks.rapid). Maximum number of attendees: 15.  NOW FULLY BOOKED.
• Walk 2: “Bees and Butterflies of Braunton Burrows” – led by Jamie Buxton-Gould, ecologist and naturalist. Meet in the Sandy Lane Car Park (///maddening.tricks.rapid). Maximum number of attendees: 20.
• Walk 3: “Photographing orchids and other flowering plants” – led by Dave Green, Cultural Heritage Photographer, Artist and Educator. Meet at the Braunton Countryside Centre for a pre-walk introduction, then the Sandy Lane Car Park (///maddening.tricks.rapid). Maximum number of attendees: 12.  EVENT NO LONGER BOOKABLE.
  Additional information: Attendees are asked to bring their own camera or smartphone. Also (if they have them) a tripod, a macro camera lens and a cable release.
• Walk 4: “D Day and the Dunes” – led by Dave Edgcombe, retired North Devon Coast AONB Project Officer.  Meet in the Crow Point Car Park (///luggage.spouting.bashful). Maximum number of attendees: 30.
  Additional information: Unfortunately, the terrain is not suitable for wheelchair users, and dogs (other than assistance dogs) are not permitted.

Please keep in mind that the Burrows can be a hazardous place. Hazards include, but are not limited to, steep slopes, saltmarsh mud, roots, animal holes, uneven ground, rough vegetation, steps, WWII military debris, harmful animals (including ticks and adders) and harmful vegetation. Attendees should dress in appropriate clothing and footwear, use sunscreen and keep hydrated.

Photos courtesy of Braunton Countryside Centre.
Thank you to Christie Devon Estates for granting access to Braunton Burrows.

Booking

ALL DISCOVERY DAYS ARE FREE TO ATTEND BUT BOOKING VIA TICKETSOURCE IS ESSENTIAL

• Booking for this event is now open.  Visit TicketSource here. 

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