The Devonshire Association – Celebrating Devon’s World-Class Heritage
Braunton Burrows Discovery Day
Sunday 29th June, 2025
This year, the Devonshire Association is ‘Celebrating Devon’s World-Class Heritage’ through a programme of free events supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. These events aim to raise public awareness of Devon’s six UNESCO designated natural and cultural sites, and to highlight the Devonshire Association’s role in promoting their significance over the past 163 years.
The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere is one of these designated sites and Braunton Burrows, the largest sand dune system in the UK, lies at its heart.
Morning Programme
To be held at the Braunton Countryside Centre, Caen Street, Braunton, EX33 1AA
(brauntoncountrysidecentre.org)
10:30 – 11:00: Refreshments (provided courtesy of the Bideford and North Devon Branch of the Devonshire Association)
11:00 – 11:15: Welcome and introduction to the day by Simon Timms, President of the Devonshire Association
11:15 – 13:00: A talk by Mary Breeds, ecologist, botanist and Chair of the Devonshire Association’s Botany Section. This talk will be an introduction to the special nature of Braunton Burrows, its wildlife and ecology, and will include a short film titled “Braunton Burrows – Sands of Time” (developed as part of the Centre’s Connect 2 Nature project) and a Q&A session. There will also be time to browse the Centre’s exhibits.
Additional information: The Centre is located in Caen Street Car Park, so ample parking is available (for charges, please visit brauntonparishcouncil.gov.uk/Braunton-PC/Car_Parks_7138.aspx). Step-free access to the Centre (including the toilets) is available and assistance dogs are welcome. Maximum number of attendees: 50
Afternoon Programme
To be held on Braunton Burrows
14:15 – 17:00: A choice of four guided walks is being offered:
Walk 1: “Wild Flowers of Braunton Burrows” – led by Mary Breeds, ecologist, botanist and Chair of the Devonshire Association’s Botany Section. Meet in the Sandy Lane Car Park (///maddening.tricks.rapid). Maximum number of attendees: 15
Walk 2: “Bees and Butterflies of Braunton Burrows” – led by Jamie Buxton-Gould, ecologist and naturalist. Meet in the Sandy Lane Car Park (///maddening.tricks.rapid). Maximum number of attendees: 20
Walk 3: “Photographing orchids and other flowering plants” – led by Dave Green, Cultural Heritage Photographer, Artist and Educator. Meet at the Braunton Countryside Centre for a pre-walk introduction, then the Sandy Lane Car Park (///maddening.tricks.rapid). Maximum number of attendees: 12
Additional information: Attendees are asked to bring their own camera or smartphone. Also (if they have them) a tripod, a macro camera lens and a cable release.
Walk 4: “D Day and the Dunes” – led by Dave Edgcombe, retired North Devon Coast AONB Project Officer. Meet in the Crow Point Car Park (///luggage.spouting.bashful). Maximum number of attendees: 30
Additional information: Unfortunately, the terrain is not suitable for wheelchair users and dogs, other than assistance dogs, are not permitted.
Thank you to Christie Devon Estates for granting access to Braunton Burrows
