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I should have guessed, I suppose, that when Sarah Anne Harvey suggested that we go and watch a swimming display and then a flying display all in the same place, it might not mean the same as the first thoughts that went through my mind. At first I looked towards the River Dart flowing alongside the car park and then turned my head skywards, but there were neither swimmers nor the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to be seen. Sarah however gently took my arm and pointed towards a building adjacent to the car park.

The proximity of the Dartmoor Otters and Buckfastleigh Butterflies to the South Devon Railway enables visitors to explore yet more locations on a perfect day out. It is many years since I visited this attraction, tending to head to the Railway at every opportunity, but by taking the time to just cross the car park in a different direction, I stepped into another world that I shall revisit on many other occasions.

As feeding time for the otters had already started, the butterflies were initially overlooked as we made our way straight to the otters. A most informative talk by Tim accompanied the squeaks by all the otters as they told him in no uncertain terms that his whole reason for existing was to feed them! The opportunity to record wildlife at such close quarters is a real privilege. No specialist cameras are necessary. The otters pose, enthral, act, play and put on a swimming display like no other. In fact they enjoy life in a way that cannot fail to delight whilst highlighting the necessity to conserve the species and their habitats.

Having left the otters to digest their meal, there was the opportunity to study the butterflies really closely. If, when you visit, you are tempted to rush through the enclosure and think there is little there, think again. By walking slowly and looking carefully all around you, you will find brilliant gems lurking everywhere, not just tantalizingly flying out of photographic reach. All impatience vanished as I realised that there was so much to see calmly and carefully.

My ‘shot of the day’ was unobtainable. It’s difficult to photograph a butterfly when it settles on the lens of your camera! Settling butterflies however made the day for various visitors and the dream for Olivia, having been studying insects in school, was to come true as a butterfly settled on her hand.

I hope that as news and information from ‘Otters and Butters’ unfolds, that we will be able to bring it to you by updating this feature. These attractions are a delight for all age groups and for able bodied and disabled alike, as warm welcomes are extended to all by thoughtful, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and considerate staff.

You can buy a combined ticket that will give you a return journey on the railway between Buckfastleigh and Totnes and entrance to Dartmoor Otters and Buckfastleigh Butterflies - and both share the same free car park! Full details of all the railways combined offer tickets can be found on their main website at southdevonrailway.co.uk

These pages are independent of, and are not officially supported by, the South Devon Railway plc, South Devon Railway Trust or any of the affiliated organisations, unless specifically mentioned on the appropriate page. All information is believed correct but this web site or the South Devon Railway plc, South Devon Railway Trust or any of the affiliated organisations cannot be held responsible for any errors.

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This page is not from the official South Devon Railway website.