Devon Attraction's Observation Tower Reconnecting Families with Local Birdlife

Guest Blog Post - River Dart Country Park

An observation Tower at award winning attraction River Dart Country Park in Ashburton, Devon, is helping people reconnect with birdlife. The Tower is proving to be the perfect vantage point for bird watchers of all ages. Standing at approximately 25-foot-tall and elevated amongst the beautiful surrounded wooded landscape, the Tower is the ideal structure for year-long wildlife observation.

Completed in 2018, the Tower structure has two levels that can be accessed by ladder-style steps. The various narrow openings on the faces of the Tower, make for excellent treetop perusing.

Located at River Dart Country Park within Dartmoor National Park, visitors have experienced a wide range of birdlife from inside the Tower. Birdwatchers have witnessed a range of species from Green Woodpeckers to House Sparrows.

Shortly after the structure was erected, the Park installed two bird spotting signs featuring the most common birdlife in the area. The River Dart team also placed bird feeders around the Tower. This proactive approach has paid off and bird sightings are frequent throughout the year, which makes the Tower such a fantastic addition to the site.The local landscape and varying seasons help determine what species of birds can be spotted at any given time. For many visitors, this is something that adds to the spontaneity and joy of birdwatching at the Park. This was carefully considered during the planning stages and the River Dart team discussed at length the benefits of ensuring the Tower was accessible throughout the year. Now, the structure is used all year long and by all ages, which is exactly what the team had hoped for. Wildlife doesn’t stop due to poor weather conditions and this also goes for the visitors that enjoy birdwatching from the Tower. Being able to observe and learn about birdlife during a family day out is a fantastic natural activity and the Park is very proud to play its part.

“Since completion, we have seen lots of families enjoying the Tower in the Park. We are located in such a beautiful part of the country and the wooden structure has proved popular with all ages. Feedback has been extremely positive with visitors explaining that the Tower is a fun way to experience such vast birdlife during a family day out. We hope that the Tower continues to act as the perfect way to help reconnect children and families to our region’s incredible birdlife.”

– Gareth Hack, River Dart Country Park

About River Dart Country Park

With over ninety acres of woods, scenic walks and beautiful lakes, the River Dart Country Park is the perfect setting for all kinds of outdoor activities. With over 25 park attractions, children can rough-and-tumble over space nets, swing through trees on jungle ropes, or even capture a wooden pirate ship surrounded by water! Toddlers aren't left out either with our Toddlers Beach and Playground (Lilliput), just perfect for tiny explorers.

Visit for the day, camp on our award-winning camping and touring site, or stay in our luxurious bed and breakfast en-suite rooms in Holne Park House. For the more adventurous, "Dare Devils" offer instructor supervised activities on-site, including Mega Zip Wire, Zorbs, High Ropes Course, open boat canoeing and indoor climbing. (Dare Devil activities at additional cost)

River Dart Country Park host a wide range of exciting events throughout the year including summer's biggest picnic, Picnic at the Park!