Field trip to Farway Common Airfield (Botany Section)

Farway Common Airfield is a level site once a wet lowland heath site, now 12 hectares of unimproved grassland managed as a hay meadow for at least 50 years with two mown landing strips running through the middle. There is a large population of various Dactylorhiza, but the owner would like to know what else there is. He has been told that the grasses are interesting but has no details.

Full address: Farway Common Airfield, Hatway Hill, Sidbury, East Devon, EX10 0QP,
Grid Reference: SY166940,
What3Words: error.query.homelands 

The site is best approached from Seaton Road which runs SE from the Hare and Hounds at Putt’s Corner on the A375, halfway between Sidmouth and Honiton. The Grid Reference and What3Words is for the airfield gateway and parking is just inside the gate. Being a rural location the postcode is not a reliable guide. Unfortunately, there is no convenient public transport. There is on-site parking and toilet facilities.

Note the early start time.

Botany Section events are from 11.00 a.m. to approximately 4.00 p.m., unless otherwise stated. Bring packed lunch, appropriate footwear and clothing, as well as sufficient water, sun-block, insect repellent or other essentials required for a day outdoors. Please contact the leader if you wish to attend – meeting details can sometimes change at short notice and if the weather forecast looks poor the meeting may have to be cancelled. You should also check with the leader if you wish to bring your dog.

Our meetings are free to Devonshire Association members. Non-members are very welcome to join us, but we would suggest a donation of £3 to £5 (in cash please) to help support our work.