Polecats in Devon.

demicav · #1 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 08:37 AM

In Devon recently there was one particular road we used to drive down regularly and there was a dead Polecat at the side of the road. It was definately a Polecat, no doubt in my mind. I was a little shocked to see one as I thought they were restricted to Wales. Does anyone know of Polecats in other areas ?

GuyF · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 08:59 AM

When I was driving in west Dorset last week, very near the Devon border, I saw what I'm pretty certain was a dead Polecat by the side of the road, unfortunately the road was very busy so I could'nt get out and make sure but it looked good to me. They're starting to spread out from their stronghold in Wales, there have been quite a few records in Dorset and I'd imagine some would've made it to Devon too.
Guy

Rob_D · #3 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 09:26 AM

Brilliant news demicav - whereabouts in Devon?

You can see the map of the results of the VWT 2004-2006 Polecat survey here http://www.vwt.org.uk/publications/S..._July_2006.pdf. A previous study report suggested that there may have been an "unofficial" release since 1980 in North Somerset, so that may have helped speed up the natural recolonisation.

The VWT have just published the report of the 2004-2006 study by Johnny Birks. I'll send off for a copy as I sent in a few records from N. Herts and find the whole Polecat recovery story very interesting.

demicav · #4 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 09:42 AM

Thanks for replies.
Rob it was on the A376, heading into Exmouth. Thanks for the link.

cherrybee · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 10:06 AM

Hey Demicav, you were heading in my direction

. I haven't heard anything myself tho. Were you actually heading for Exmouth itself or just nearby.

demicav · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherrybee

Hey Demicav, you were heading in my direction

. I haven't heard anything myself tho. Were you actually heading for Exmouth itself or just nearby.

Hi Cherrybee, we were heading for Exmouth, Sandy bay.

cherrybee · #7 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demicav

Hi Cherrybee, we were heading for Exmouth, Sandy bay.

Oh what a pity I didn't know we could have met.I live 5 minutes drive from there.My grandmother used to live in a bungalow near the cliffs just up from the cafe.In fact she ran the cafe when Sandy Bay was just a few caravans ans the cafe was a wooden hut.The Bungalow is no longer there now just caravans but the entrance to that field was her driveway. I have lived in Littleham all my life. I live just down the road from Tescos near a big green with a childrens playground. if you ever come this way again we must meet. It would be nice to meet you

demicav · #8 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherrybee

Oh what a pity I didn't know we could have met.I live 5 minutes drive from there.My grandmother used to live in a bungalow near the cliffs just up from the cafe.In fact she ran the cafe when Sandy Bay was just a few caravans ans the cafe was a wooden hut.The Bungalow is no longer there now just caravans but the entrance to that field was her driveway. I have lived in Littleham all my life. I live just down the road from Tescos near a big green with a childrens playground. if you ever come this way again we must meet. It would be nice to meet you

Yes, what a shame, didn't realise you were so close by

. It's amazing what you find out after. It's a beautiful area though, you're so lucky. We popped in Tescos a couple of times too

.
If we're ever that way again we'll be sure to meet up.