Nature on the Dart 29
NATURE ON THE DART
The River Dart estuary is part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its constantly changing conditions, salt marshes and reed beds provide a rich source of food making it a key habitat for egrets, shellfish, kingfishers and even the odd dolphin. Further under the surface there are the weird and wonderful worms, snails and bacteria on which many other species depend. Parts of the riverbank look beautifully wild, with great clusters of mature oak trees on both sides. In fact, the name ‘Dart’ is thought to have the Celtic meaning ‘river where oak trees grow’. With the low hanging branches and exposed mud at low tide the area can look like a mangrove swamp or rainforest. Visitors can spot herons padding along the tideline looking for their supper and slender cormorants sitting on floating pontoons in their characteristic spread wing posture. To catch a glimpse of a seal, wildlife lovers need to head just beyond the mouth of the river to the Mew Stone. This rocky outcrop about half a mile out to sea is a place where seals go to lay out together, dry off and relax before heading off to hunt. But, you must keep your distance. You will see mainly grey seals in the river where they find an
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abundance of food including many fish species, crustaceans, squid and sand eels. They also enjoy the quiet coves and special ‘haul out’ sites (including rocks, boats and pontoons) which are critical for them to replenish their energy, molt, thermo-regulate and digest. It is important not to disturb the seals during this valuable resting time and to observe their behaviour from a safe distance. If you meet a seal on a beach, give it plenty of space and keep dogs away. Seals are also easily spooked from their rocky resting spots, so if you are in a boat or kayak, maintain a distance of at least 100m where possible.
Geograph-6176391-by-Derek-Harper
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