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Northam Burrows Country Park lies at the mouth of the Taw Torridge Estuary
and is protected from the raging Atlantic Ocean by a famous Pebble Ridge
which runs the length of the two mile stretch of beach at Westward Ho! The
Burrows consist of over 600 acres of coastal grassland, sand dunes and salt
marsh known as The Skern. This area certainly appears to be a bleak, barren
wasteland, but looks can be deceptive. It is a designated site of scientific
interest and although there is a dearth of vegetation on the actual pebble
ridge save the odd sprig of sea spurge, the Burrows supports a variety of
plant life including Dune Pansy, Glasswort, Sea Holly, Sharp Rush and Storksbill.
The saviour of the Sand Dunes is Marram Grass which grows vigorously in
this inhospitable landscape. This common land is shared happily by all manner
of tiny creatures, birds, butterflies, horses and sheep as well as golfers
and walkers. The oldest links course in England is sited within the park
and a separate section is set aside for local horse riding stables. All
in all it is a splendid asset to the Bideford Bay area and is enjoyed come
rain or shine by locals and visitors throughout the year. The Sand Dunes
have become a haven for ground nesting birds, butterflies and wild life
including common lizards, mice, snails and voles since they were fenced
off to protect this delicate habitat from erosion. In addition to access
from the Westward Ho!, an entrance via Pimpley Gate leads down a road, past
the Royal North Devon Golf Club on the left, through the links and grassland
to the car park at Sandymere. Access to the beach is via the massive stone
steps which straddle the Pebble Ridge. An RNLI Lifeguard Hut is positioned
on the ridge in summer months. The Visitors Centre is at the end of the
road beside the Dunes. It is open to the public during the holiday season
so if you are planning to walk around the Park ask for advice first, take
a look at the exhibitions and enquire about guided walks, circular walks,
birds, vegetation, history and geology. Reference books, cards and gifts
are also on sale. I recommend the handy illustrated guide which has a Park
map. There is a trail between the Sand Dunes and the Golf Links which leads
down to the estuary and around or an alternative access point to the Skern
is via the gate at Burrows Lane on the Appledore Road. Birdwatchers enjoy
coming here as the Skern (salt marsh) is teaming with life and attracts
large numbers of birds including the Curlew, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Godwit
and the Oystercatcher. The embankment road winds down between grassland
and the massive expanse of salt marsh where birds can be seen hovering above,
swooping down, dipping their beaks in the mud or perching on the old twisted
wooden stumps offshore. Meanwhile on the other side of the road horses and
sheep graze silently together amongst the sharp rush. It is worth mentioning
here that the residents of the Parish of Northam, known as potwallopers,
have had the right to graze their animals on the Burrows for centuries.
From this side of the Park there is a stunning panoramic view of Appledore,
Northam, the Parish Church of St. Margaret's and Kipling Tors. You can stop
on the grass verge or park at the end of the road. The salt marsh here is
full of irregular deep grooves and has a bright green surface giving the
impression of a giant jigsaw puzzle. Take a walk through the gate and follow
the path to the estuary side of the Pebble Ridge and survey the vista from
Grey Sand Hill. This is a very peaceful part of the Park and there is a
good view of Appledore Lifeboat Slipway, the Taw Torridge Confluence and
across to Braunton Burrows on the opposite bank. It looks a very picturesque
beach but this is definitely not a safe bathing area and the tide comes
in fast. At low tide DO NOT try and walk across the estuary or the Skern
it is far too dangerous. There are educational guided walks during the summer
months. The kiosks at the three entrancse to the Park are manned during
the holiday season and there is a toll to use the Burrows at this time.
Braunton Burrows was awarded the UNESCO Biosphere status in November 2002,
the first site in the UK to receive the international accolade.
Historical References: Northam Burrows An Illustrated Guide - Mike
Towns
Useful Links: Read about the Park, Dunes, Grassland, Rocky Shore
and Skern at Northam
Burrows Country Park, Westward
Ho! History Group - History
of the Pebble Ridge
Useful Books: Westward Ho! against the Sea - Peter Keene Buy
the Book Northam Burrows Estuary Environments Janet and Peter Keene |
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