Willow Carr
Wetland Meadow
Wildlife sightings in Devon
at Willow Carr
Willow Carr offers some of the most memorable wildlife sightings in Devon, with spring-fed lakes, wet woodland and open meadow creating a rich and protected habitat for birds, insects and native species throughout the year.
Willow Carr is a traditional wet woodland scrub meadow, shaped by water and time. Fed by natural springs, the landscape is interspersed with lakes, streams and damp woodland, allowing wildlife to thrive in a largely undisturbed environment.
An ancient wetland landscape
Willow and alder dominate the wetter areas, while the ground flora supports a diverse mix of ferns, mosses and flowering plants. Gentle paths allow guests to explore the meadow at their own pace, whether enjoying a quiet walk or pausing beside the water.
Breeding kingfishers on site
One of the most special features of Willow Carr is the presence of breeding kingfishers, which nest along the banks of the lakes and streams. These striking birds are often seen skimming low over the water or perched on overhanging branches, their flashes of blue is a highlight for many guests.
The continued presence of breeding kingfishers is a strong indicator of the health of the wetland and the quality of the habitat, making Willow Carr a truly special place for wildlife watching in Devon.
Birdlife throughout the seasons
The wetland meadow supports a wide variety of birdlife all year round. Common woodland birds such as blackbird, robin, tits, chaffinch and nuthatch are regular visitors, while woodpeckers, jays and buzzards are frequently seen and heard across the site.
During spring and summer, migratory birds add to the soundscape, and in the winter months, flocks of finches and thrushes pass through the meadow and hedgerows. Herons, moorhen, mallard and little grebe are commonly seen around the lakes.
Beyond birds, insects and amphibians
The ponds and surrounding vegetation create ideal conditions for insects, amphibians, and reptiles. Dragonflies and damselflies patrol the water in warmer months, while frogs, toads, and newts thrive in the ponds, framed by areas of taller tussock grasses that naturally surround the water’s edge.
Grass snakes are occasionally spotted near the water’s edge, and the meadow supports a wide range of butterflies, particularly along the woodland edges and open grassland areas.
A place for quiet nature walks
Willow Carr is ideal for gentle nature walks in Devon, offering a peaceful setting where guests can slow down, observe wildlife and enjoy the changing seasons.
This is not a formal nature reserve, but a living landscape that forms part of everyday life at Compton Pool, sitting naturally alongside fishing, walking and relaxed outdoor time across the estate.
Part of the Compton Pool experience
Easily accessible from the cottages and other on site facilities, Willow Carr is woven into the wider experience of staying at Compton Pool. It offers moments of calm and connection to the natural world, whether you are staying for a short break or a longer countryside retreat.
For guests interested in Devon wildlife, Willow Carr provides an authentic and memorable setting to experience it quietly and respectfully.
Species List
Trees and shrubs | Plants | Birds | |||
| Ash | Annual meadow grass | Blackbird | |||
| Beech | Bluebell | Blackcap | |||
| Black Alder | Bramble | Blue tit | |||
| Blackthorn | Burdock | Buzzard | |||
| Buddleia | Cleavers | Carrion crow | |||
| Elder | Cocksfoot | Chaffinch | |||
| Field Maple | Ground Ivy | Chiff chaff | |||
| Hawthorn | Giant hogweed | Coal tit | |||
| Hazel | Common dog violet | Coot | |||
| Holly | Cow parsley | Dunnock | |||
| Oak | Creeping buttercup | Fieldfare | |||
| Rowan | Creeping Thistle | Garden warbler | |||
| Scots pine | Enchanters nightshade | Goldfinch | |||
| Silver Birch | Honeysuckle | Great tit | |||
| Sweet chestnut | Greater plantain | Greater spotted woodpecker | |||
| Wild cherry | Greater sedge | Green woodpecker | |||
| Willow | Herb Robert | Greenf inch | |||
| Honeysuckle | Grey wagtail | ||||
Ferns | Herb Bennet | House martin | |||
| Hard fern | Germander speedwell | House sparrow | |||
| Harts tongue fern | Ivy | Jackdaw | |||
| Lady fern | Lord and ladies | Jay | |||
| Male fern | Marsh marigold | Kestrel | |||
| Scaly male fern | Nettles | Linnet | |||
| Primrose | Little grebe | ||||
| Red campion | Long tail tit | ||||
Mammals | Snowdrop | Mallard | |||
| Bank vole | Timothy | Marsh tit | |||
| Common shrew | Water figwort | Meadow pipit | |||
| baubentons bat | Water mint | Mistle thrush | |||
| Field mouse | Yellow flag iris | Moorhen | |||
| Hare | Yorkshire fog | Pied wagtail | |||
| Lesser horseshoe bat | Raven | ||||
| Redwing | |||||
Mammals | Reptile & amphibians | Birds | |||
| Pipistrelle bat | Common lizard | Kingfisher | |||
| Rabbit | Frog | Robin | |||
| Roe deer | Grass snake | Rook | |||
| Wood mouse | Palmate newt | Skylark | |||
| Slow worm | Song thrush | ||||
| Toad | Sparrowhawk | ||||
| Stock dove | |||||
| Swallow | |||||
| Swift | |||||
| Tawny owl | |||||
| Whitethroat | |||||
| Willow warbler | |||||
| Wren | |||||
| Yellow hammer |
More To Enjoy At Compton Pool
From swimming and fishing to play spaces and relaxed shared areas, everything is designed for easy countryside stays.
Book your countryside escape Luxury holiday cottages in South Devon, designed for relaxed stays.
Join the many guests who return to Compton Pool year after year. Discover family-friendly cottages, exceptional on-site facilities, and a peaceful Devon countryside setting designed to be enjoyed at your own pace.