James Chubb

Mother's Day

In a couple of day’s time you might be facing the ever-thorny issue of what to do for Mothering Sunday. What’s more, if like me you’ve spent the majority of the previous day enjoying a jam-packed super Saturday of six nations rugby, then you may be a little fuzzy – especially if England manage to build upon their triumph against France last week.

But enough sports talk, I’m not here to offer punditry. Here are some simple ideas for interesting and seasonal locations to spend an hour or two, walking off the hangover… I mean, spending time with the family.

The flower of Mothers Day has to be the primrose. A ubiquitous favourite and our county flower, this little springtime splash of colour is on prominent display in woodlands and hedgerows throughout the region. Holyford Woods Local Nature Reserve has a bumper crop this year and the circular walk starting and finishing from Seaton Heights, is a perfect Sunday afternoon amble.

The route will take just over an hour to walk at a moderate pace. I normally take well over two to circumnavigate the place when I am by myself, but then I get easily distracted. Even with thirty pupils from the Grammar School last week, roe deer were still present in the woods, crashing through the understory at the sound of our approach. Aside from the primroses and other spring flowers, the woods are also alive with bird song, as the feathered friends gear themselves up for the busy season. Marsh *** and bullfinches are particular favourites of mine to see here, and a pair of fighting goldcrests were a highlight on a recent recce.

The climb back out of the woods is a little steep, so this is perhaps not the best place to visit if the Mother in question is no spring lamb herself. If a level well-paved route is your priority, then the ever popular estuary walk along the Otter will surely be at gridlock if the weather is even half decent. If crowds are your thing, and lets be fair it is indeed a mark of the popularity, then you are sure to not be disappointed.

If crowds are not your thing, then how about taking in a stretch of the East Devon Way? This long distance walking route starts (or finishes, depending upon your perspective) in Exmouth and winds its way through the District, all the way to the Dorset boarder, so you are never far from a section of it and you can always find a little out of the way section to explore. For more information about the East Devon Way, contact the Countryside Service at the District Council.

Of course, another family favourite is a saunter down to the Seaton Marshes bird hide. After its starring role in a recent ‘Inside Out’ episode, more people have found out about this wonderful birdwatching location, and Chris Packham’s tribute is well justified. As Spring in well under way, the numbers of birds to be seen on the estuary is a little subdued, as many individuals have already set off for their Spring migration. However, there’s still plenty to see, and always the chance of spotting something really special passing through. Osprey are on the move north from wintering grounds in West Africa, and one has already been seen in the Axe Valley this year. Harriers and kites are also a possibility; and it’s high time the sand martins were back bringing a touch of summer to our rivers.

Wherever you chose to visit, I wish you the best of luck for both sunny weather and wildlife sights. I am venturing off-patch a little bit, and heading back to my boyhood stomping ground of Somerset to wish my mum a happy day. I’ll let you in on another secret too; as mother is also a bit of a rugby fan, I’ll probably spend the afternoon with my feet up watching the Guinness Premiership clash on Sunday. I had better make sure we all go for a morning walk in which case!