Exploring the Bystock Pools Nature Reserve

Out and About – The Reserve

Bystock Pools Devon Wildlife trust nature reserve

Ah, to be sat at the side of a natural pond as the sun rises in the fresh air and see absolutely no wildlife… Yes, that was the reality of my trip to the Bystock Pools Devon Wildlife trust. I planned, I researched, and I saw nothing. Well, okay so I did see a trio of Exmoor ponies and the quickest glimpse of what I’m saying was a type of woodpecker (yellow and red plumage with the tip of its head feather’s black), but I did not see the wetlands birds I was hoping for- or indeed any of the wildlife that was on the ‘In this nature reserve we have’ sign.

BUT that’s just the way wildlife photography goes- you go out at supposedly optimal timings (in my case it was sunrise) and you see nothing; then later on pop out of your house in the middle of the day and it’s like the entirety of the animal kingdom has decided to have a midday meeting on your lawn. Writing that it makes it sound like I didn’t have a good trip, but that couldn’t be further from the truth- it was a great trip, just lacking in wildlife.

It is exactly that unpredictability and unknowing which made me fall in love with wildlife photography and being outside in the first place because you never know what you might see at any given moment, and although I would have liked to have seen a kingfisher, heron, or otter it is the fact that I didn’t on this occasion that will bring me back in the future.

Lets talk about what I did see:

So, in my above summary I mentioned that I didn’t see any wildlife but technically I did see three Exmoor ponies- now I’m not sure if they count as ‘wildlife’ or not, as I wasn’t on or near Exmoor, and the ponies were just grazing on the reserve as part of the land maintenance. I also had no idea they were living on the nature reserve until I got there and saw a sign, but they were animals who were seemingly happy to be photographed so I was happy after the earlier disappointment. I also saw what I think was a type of woodpecker (I may be wrong; I don’t really know my birds, and it was only a quick glimpse), unfortunately a police siren in the distance disturbed it and it flew into the forest before I could take a photo- but it is promising that I saw it, even if it was only a quick glimpse.

Furthermore, although I didn’t see much wildlife the landscape and reservoir itself was beautiful and made for a fun trip out. The board walks leading around the reservoir and numerous ponds/marsh were great fun to walk along as well as providing various different views of the water. There was also significant forest area (which I did get lost in- my map skills could definitely do with some work), which also contained several streams and log crossings which made for a pleasant and enjoyable walk, as well as providing opportunities for some beautiful landscape shots.

Conclusion:

So, I didn’t see the species I was hoping for (or indeed much wildlife at all) however, I did have a fun trip and the reservoir and surrounding countryside almost made up for the lack of wildlife. I certainly think in the future – perhaps in summer when dragonflies are more abundant- it will be worth a trip back. If you are in the area I would recommend a visit, if not for the wildlife then just an enjoyable trip out.      

What is Out and About?

Out and about is the name of a challenge I set myself in September 2021- the sole aim being I try and visit a new location every Wednesday, by myself with my camera. I set myself this challenge because as someone who has suffered immensely pre-pandemic and during the pandemic with an anxiety disorder, I decided enough was enough, and that it was time I started taking back control of my life and doing more of what I love- which for me is being outside exploring nature and wildlife with my camera. Its tough and maybe a bit ambitious but at the same time totally liberating and an amazing feeling knowing I’ve chosen where I want to go and being able to be alone and enjoy my own company without the feeling of panic or anxiety holding me back.