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Spot the wildlife in Stoke Gabriel

It is well known that there are many crabs to be caught by the dam at Stoke Gabriel’s Mill Pool.  It is less well known that at high tide grey seals can be spotted there too.Now anyone can find out about the wildlife on and around the Mill Pool and the River Dart at Stoke Gabriel with the opening of a new wildlife identification board.

Owners of the River Shack, Tim Dyer and Lexi Showell asked for help from Devon Wildlife Trust when they were unable to answer visitors’ questions: “We are being asked all the time to identify the range of wildlife and, while we are learning, we’re no experts,” said Tim.  Siân Rees, Dart Catchment project officer for Devon Wildlife Trust, worked closely with Tim and Lexi to design a board that would enable people to learn about the wildlife of the Dart, the water cycle and the journey of the river from Dartmoor to Dartmouth.  Siân said: “We hope that people will learn more about the water and the wildlife of the River Dart and in the local area of Stoke Gabriel.” 

The board, which is on the wall of The River Shack, also includes a conservation code which reminds people how to care for the environment and its wildlife inhabitants. “We wanted to increase awareness so that people take more notice of their countryside,” said Tim.

The official opening of the wildlife identification board was attended by parish councillors and local residents who were very positive about the new board:  “The diagram shows exactly what you are looking at.  It will be a big help to visitors,” said Bill Deval, parish councillor.  Dr Edward Lovesey, a keen wildlife amateur said: “It’s a lovely portrayal of the wildlife that you see from the quay and the edge of the Dart.” 

Parish Councillors, local residents, Tim Dyer of the River Shack and Siân Rees of Devon Wildlife Trust

at the Mill Pool in Stoke Gabriel

Julie Goodall

18 October 2006