RYDA Newsletter 06/2025
There is noticeably less birdsong in June than earlier in the spring, prompting the sad realisation that it is coming to an end for another year. No longer are there birds singing all around you, and there can be long periods of complete silence. Having said that, you can still hear a good variety of species on an average day.
The reason for the reduction is that the breeding period for some species is already over and those that are still rearing young (or perhaps even raising a second brood) are busy feeding their chicks and have less time (or need) to sing. It is an irony that at the end of June bird populations are at their height due to all those youngsters but the birds become a lot less noticeable. As the summer goes on many of the newcomers will fall victim to predators.
Birds that are generally not heard in June are great tits, coal tits and blue tits, all of whom have finished raising their young by early in the month. Even the churring contact calls from great tits and blue tits, so common for much of the rest of the year, are absent. Very occasionally you may hear a brief snatch of the see-saw mating songs of great or coal tits, however - particularly the latter for some reason. Whether this is fledgling males trying out their voices or mature ones hopeful of a second brood, I do not know.
Equally there sometimes used to be an increase in blackbird song later in the month as birds went for an extra brood of young: Occasionally blackbirds also make a tup-tup sound to ward off predators from their young, or - if heard at dusk - to mark their territory.
Also heard throughout the month is the song thrush, though usually only once or twice a day. They can be heard at any time, but are a characteristic sound to hear towards evening, when they can be the last bird singing.
Another bird which is still vocal, though less so than in May, is the chaffinch. Its song can be heard fairly frequently early in the month but usually only once or twice a day after that. It also makes a repeated, metronomic "hweet….hweet…..hweet" call, one version quite harsh in tone and another softer .
Another bird whose song is prominent the rest of the year - the robin - also falls silent as June progresses. In the first half - and much more rarely the second - you may hear brief outbursts of their twittering, but these are isolated examples.
By contrast, blackbirds are still one of the most noticeable birds in the soundscape, though since 2022 the amount of song seems to have decreased markedly. In the late afternoon or early evening there used to be a pronounced pick-up, as if the birds now had time for singing after the day's labours were done, but this is no longer really evident.
Chiffchaffs make a very similar call to the softer chaffinch, so often only a sighting of the bird (or hearing the distinctive "chink chink" call of the chaffinch mixed in with the hweets) can settle which you are hearing. Chiffchaff song - the ponderous "choff-chiff-chaff" which gives the bird its name - is often at a low level early in the month, but may pick again in the second or third week, providing weather conditions are favourable, as the birds have
a second brood. At such times singing can be very persistent and competitive, and may remain so till late in the month.
Greenfinch numbers have declined noticeably, but those that remain are reasonably vocal in June, nearly always making their trilling and wheezing song near houses, and being fairly easy to spot as they sing from the top of trees or bushes. Goldfinches continue to twitter away: they have a noise they make when in communal flight, but generally this month it is still single males singing on high perches.
On scrubby clifftops or downland near the sea, as well as occasionally on downland inland, meadow pipits do a
characteristic rising and descending display flight (known as "parachuting") with a piping song to match. If you follow the sound you can see them perched on top of prominent bushes.
On the same kind of perches and in the same habitats you may see a stonechat. It has a distinctive is its call, which sounds like two stones being bashed together (hence its name), interspersed with a "tseep" now and then.
Very occasionally in the first week of June you might also hear a garden warbler - a demented, speeded-up version of the blackcap riff. Despite its name, this bird lives in trees and scrub, not gardens.
Downland both by the sea and inland is also a prime place to spot - or at least hear - skylarks, who twitter away high the sky,
singing myriad notes per second, too fast for the human ear to hear properly - one of the most evocative sounds of the summer. In places - there can be several singing away at once. They are also surprisingly common over arable fields, presumably nesting among the crops.
In the same habitats, the twittering song of the linnet could possibly be mistaken for that of a goldfinch or skylark. They live in excitable groups and have a characteristically bouncy flight low over bushes
Meanwhile, you may see swallows swooping for insects, or are they house martins? Both birds were reasonably common up to 2017 but then suffered a catastrophic year in 2018 due to weather
problems on their migration route and have suffered further declines since.
Both have white bellies and both fly pretty fast, making identification hard. Perhaps the easiest way to distinguish them is that swallows quite often fly very low - sometimes only half a metre above the ground - turning sharply and unexpectedly with great skill and even dipping into ponds to drink while on the wing. They also have a long forked tail and a dark throat, if you ever get that good a look at them.
Also seemingly equally at home on downland or farmland are yellowhammers - as colourful as their name suggests but surprisingly well camouflaged against hedgerows. Sadly increasingly rare, their song is a rapid series of notes followed by a very distinctive long "eee", but they sometimes leave out the "eee". If you follow the sound to its source, the birds are not that hard to spot, as they tend to sing from prominent positions.
Martins tend to fly at roof top height, in a sort of "flap flap glide" flight rather than the smooth swoop of the swallow, and have a stubbier tail and a white patch on their rumps (the bottom of their back). The two species also have different calls - the house martin's having a staccato rasping quality while the swallow sounds like a squeaky bath toy being rapidly pressed.
Often lumped together with these two, but in fact from a quite different family of birds, is the swift, which has distinctive swept-back wings and entirely dark plumage. This is another species which seems to be getting scarcer and scarcer particularly in the south east.
Swifts are generally seen high in the sky, particularly over ancient towns with convenient church towers to nest in but can sometimes come quite close to the ground in pursuit of food. Their distinctive screaming call is usually what alerts you to their presence. They spiral upwards into the sky at night to sleep on the wing, and even mate in the air. The only time they ever land is to raise young.
You quite regularly hear the "hoo-HOO-HOO-hoo-hoo" song of wood pigeons - a very summery sound - but make sure you are not hearing the very similar song - "hoo-hooo hoo" - of the collared dove.
Early in the month you may hear the laughing "yaffle" of the green woodpecker: after that it occasionally utters an abbreviated or flat-toned version of it as an alarm call. Great spotted woodpeckers have by now ceased drumming, but now and then make a "chik...chik" sound, and you may just hear the "de-dit" (or "wit-wit") call of a nuthatch.
Both are usually found near houses, the collared dove almost exclusively so. In woods you can also hear the throaty "woo" of a stock dove.
House martins, by contrast, are more sociable, nearly always appearing in chattering groups (though in recent years the groups seem to be getting smaller and smaller - and towards the end of June swallow juveniles may start to fledge and also form excited groups...). As their name suggests, house martins are nearly always seen near buildings, where they nest in colonies.
In unfrequented corners behind the beach you may also see ringed plovers on the shingle. They nest in this habitat but
are so well camouflaged that you only spot them when they move, or when their thin piping alerts you to their presence.
In marshy areas with lots of reeds - or in reed-filled ditches - the scolding, rhythmical song of the reed warbler can be heard. Much rarer (usually only found on wetland nature reserves) is the more rambling and scratchy song of the sedge warbler,
which usually sings from a bush near reeds. In similar wetland habitats, as well as sometimes along quite ordinary rivers, the explosive riff of a Cetti's warbler is unmissable once you get you learn to recognise it.
Look out also in reed beds, as well as in arable fields nearby, for the reed bunting, which looks rather like a sparrow, perches on top of a reed, bush or stalk, and has a simple song that is memorialised as "tree tree top of the tree".
Nightingales are not impossible early in the month if you are in wooded areas, and cuckoos may crop up even later: There can be a dementedly persistent quality to these later cuckoos, with the male perhaps being desperate not to return to Africa without having mated.
Public Survey: Management Plan Review
The South Devon National Landscape team is calling on residents, visitors, and stakeholders to help shape the future of one of the region’s most treasured natural assets.
A public survey has been launched as part of the five-yearly review of the South Devon National Landscape Management Plan – a vital document that guides how the protected landscape is cared for and enhanced.
Covering some of the most stunning coastal scenery, rolling farmland, estuaries, and rich wildlife habitats, the South Devon National Landscape is a nationally designated area, recognised for its exceptional beauty, heritage, and biodiversity.
The public survey invites individuals to share what they value most about South Devon, the challenges they think the area faces, and how they believe the landscape should be managed in the years ahead.
Feedback from the survey will directly inform the updated Management Plan, which is developed in partnership with local authorities, landowners, environmental organisations, community groups, and other key stakeholders.
The survey is now live and will be open until 16th June 2025. It can be completed online at: Public Survey
IN MEMORY OF JANET CATTERNACH
Diana Little is doing the Race for Life on Plymouth Hoe on 1 June.
She will be walking, jogging (but not running!) the 10k course in memory of Janet Catternach who died at home earlier this month.
Race for Life is in aid of Cancer Research. If anyone would like to donate to this worthy cause, here is the Just Giving page link which will remain open beyond 1 June.
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/dianas-race-for-life-2380
If you would prefer to donate cash, please contact me:
Diana Little 07545703210
Get discounts at all South Hams District Council car parks by using PayByPhone app or if you pay by cash, you will get an extra 30 minutes free on top of the time purchased instead of the discount. Make a saving every time you park.
You can get discounted parking at all South Hams District Council car parks for a £5 yearly admin fee.
Remember before you apply, have either one of the following documents handy:
- V5 log
- Motability Agreement
- Leasing Agreement
Ladies have you considered joining your local Women’s Institute?
It sounds quite archaic, but in reality we are a group of ladies who care and support each other, Have fun, laugh a lot, learn new things and try and get things done, whether in the community or further afield.
We have knitted a mile of bunting to stretch across the river from Noss to Newton, sent letters of protest to the NFWI, & (as part of a group) heckled Tony Blair, we support local charities, arrange fun events for the community including a magician evening with ”a bring your own supper”.
We have visits to places of interest as well as a vibrant book group and also a craft group where anything goes, we also go out for lunch, coffee or afternoon tea on occasion.
In the winter we have a coffee afternoon which provides a warm space and a chance to socialise.
Our WI is growing. We recently welcomed 7 new members, and would like to welcome you as well.
Give us a try – your first 3 visits are free before you decide to join – what have you got to loose?
Stella is usually on the door to welcome you, Brenda will provide you with tea/coffee & biscuits, and the rest of the committee will make you feel welcome. We don’t reserve seats, so sit with friends, or people you know by sight, or we will introduce you to a small group of ladies to sit with.
Our monthly meetings have a variety of speakers from bra construction to naked women spies of the 1st World War; can-caning tiller girls to Beryl Cook, the death of Plymouth stores and finding war graves.
Have a look at our web site to find out what we are doing next https://www.thewi.online/
We meet on the 3rd Tuesday 7pm -9pm for our monthly meetings in the summer (2-4 winter)
The craft group meet on the 4th Tuesday 2pm – 4pm contact Lesley 873403
The book group meet alternate months contact Margaret 872075
We look forward to welcoming you.
Planning
Significant Planning Applications this month include:
Valley View, 5 Meadow Close. 1467/25/HHO
Situated in a secluded location and of conventional design, this proposal will replace a single storey part of the building with one of two storeys. Although increasing the number of bedrooms to 5, there is ample space for any additional car parking required.
92 Court Road 0904/25/FUL
Located near the western end of Court Road, at the junction with Beacon Hill / Middleleigh, this proposal seeks to build two new dwellings in the garden of an existing substantial house, which will also be modified. Of conventional design the two new buildings make maximum use of the available space. The site is outside but adjacent to a Policy Area which the neighbourhood plan defines as low density and constrains additional building on gardens. The site plan below is borrowed from the Planning Application for consultation purposes only.
We welcome your feedback on these or any other planning matters.
Some updates on recent Applications
Land at SX 559 490, Widey Cross, 0920/25/PIP - Proposal for 1 single storey dwelling (self build) – Refused
Saltwind, Stoke Road, Bridgend, 0966/25/HHO – Renovations and Extension at the rear and over the garage - Withdrawn
Land Adjacent to Highfield, Parsonage Road, 3446/24/FUL – 2 new dwellings – Refused.
Whats On?
7th June WI Hall, Newton Ferrers on 7th June. A Street Car Named Desire. Doors open 18:30 and the screening starts at 19:00 The programme lasts for three and a half hours including interval, so please feel free to bring your own cushions.
To book tickets via Ticket Source please click here.
New seated exercise class run by registered Physiotherapists, begins 11.15 Newton Ferrers WI hall. £5 per session. Just turn up. Every Wednesday
1st Tuesday Lunch club 3rd June 12.00 noon WIC hall new members welcome. 12.00 prompt please £6pp Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442)
Sat, 7 Jun at 10:00 Snorkel Safari Church Road, PL9 0HP Wembury
Glow Worm Survey
Wed June 11 @ 9:00 pm - 11:00 pmHolbeton Village Hall, Holbeton, Devon
Help us hunt down these elusive beetles and learn more about their lifecycle and preferred habitat. We will show you the kind of place you might find them and how you can carry on searching around our coast and record your findings! Bring a torch and smartphone if you have one. We will be walking in the dark, so please make sure you are dressed appropriately and confident to walk on uneven surfaces. No dogs please. Free
Please email lote@southdevon-nl.org.ukto reserve your place.
12th June U3A talk by Dr Francis Burroughes " Romans, Vikings and Merchant Slavers". Doors open 14.00 WIC hall Newton Ferrers.
13th June. Holbeton Film Club are showing "Thelma".
When 93year old Thema Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her. Doors open at 7pm.
You'll be given a warm welcome when you arrive, and can spend some time chatting to friends before the lights go down at 7:30pm. We charge just £4 (£2 for children under 12) - terrific value for such a great evening of entertainment.
You are welcome to bring your own alcohol if you wish, or you can treat yourself to one of our fabulous chocolate-covered ice creams!
Parking is available at the village hall; our own Tetris Tim will be out there helping manoeuvre the cars to accommodate as many as possible.
14th June Chorals by the Creek. In aid of Devon Air Ambulance.
Join three local choirs for an afternoon of choir song, beautiful gardens, and cake! A family friendly event with all welcome.
Blokes Who Sing – A choir supporting men’s mental health and wellbeing, Blokes Who Sing have a huge repertoire, from folksong, to contemporary, to musicals and swing.
MCA Earlybirds – A young choir ranging from aged 9-11.
The North Prospect Community Choir – A community Choir built on the foundations of inclusivity and welcoming. All are welcome to partake regardless of experience and ability. Westfield Gardens – the venue for this wonderful event.
Gardens open from 12 noon for picnics. The concert begins at 2pm
Westfield, Riverside Road West, PL8 1AD Please note There is NO PARKING at Westfield
14th June Parish walk Holy Cross to St Werburgh via Electric Ferry. Visit to Marine centre and hopefully a cream tea in St Werburgh before our return walk. Join us at 11am at Holy Cross Church for all the walk or meet us along the way. Open to all in our Mission Community. Further details from Tricia. tishywishy58@gmail.com.
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17th June River Yealm Harbour Authority meeting 18.00 @harbour office
17th June WI monthly meeting. Our speaker will be Katherine Kelly talking about her family of Lighthouse keepers. Doors open 7pm for 7.30-9.30. New members welcome. First 3 visits free while you decide to join us. We have had lots of new members recently, so you wont be the only one!
18th June Curry & Bingo night at the Ship in aid of Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm. 7.00pm £20 per ticket available from Adrienne Kennedy 872059
21st June Plymouth Philharmonic Choir, Opera Gala evening St Andrews Church, 7.30
22nd June Plymouth Charity Club Tea Party at Mothecombe House 2.00pm -5.00pm Free
24th June WI Craft Group 2-4pm WIC hall. All welcome
26th June Thursday Lunch club 12.15 Newton & Noss village Hall. Please contact mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.com Allergies can be catered for, also vegetarian option available. New members welcome. The tide will be out.
27th June Yealm Parchment Group meet in the WIC hal 2-4pm. For more information call Lesley 07838375449
June 28 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Wembury Point Wembury Point Car Park, Wembury, Devon,PL9 0BX
Wildflower Walk with the National Trust Hosted by Life on the Edge: restoring a coastline buzzing with wildlife! Join National Trust Ranger, Jess, to learn about the fantastic flora of Wembury... Free
Please book here: National Trust page
28th June Wild Flower Walk at Wembury Point 14.30- 16.30
Join Ranger Jess to learn more about the work that the National Trust have been doing for nature since acquiring the site to make Wembury Point into a wildflower haven.
- Booking essential walk is free
Save the Date
1st July 1stTuesday Lunch club 12.00 noon WIC hall new members welcome. 12.00 prompt please £6pp Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442)
Lace up your boots & hike to save lives
Devon Heli Hike is a South West Coast Path challenge which will take participants on a journey from Jennycliff and around to Noss Mayo, taking in breathtaking views of the beautiful coastline.
Supporters can join this event on 5th July 2025 and take on either a 14 or 26 mile trek along both rugged and paved terrain, river crossings, seascapes and rolling hills while taking in stunning panoramic views of the South Devon Coast.
This challenge brings with it the knowledge and feel-good factor that those who take part are helping to raise awareness and much needed funds for their local Air Ambulance charity.
Friends of Yealmpton Village School would like to invite you to our summer fair which takes place on Saturday 12th July between 12.30-4.30. Please come along to support our wonderful school and have a fun filled afternoon with all of the family. If you are interested in having a stall at the fair, please get in touch.
15th July WI monthly meeting. Our speaker will be Lily Style talking about Lord Nelson & Emma Hamilton. Doors open 7pm for 7.30-9.30. New members welcome. First 3 visits free while you decide to join us.
