Bin Combe

Bin Combe offers much the same as nearby Hodder’s and Holford Combes although in a much smaller area. Again it is best visited in spring and early summer.

The most popular way to work the combe is to park in the small lay-by at ST164389. Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts occur throughout the combe, and are often heard and seen in the area immediately around the lay-by. Walk back down the road towards the A39 listening for them as well as the more usual common woodland species; Crossbills can also sometimes be found in the conifers on the north side of the road.

At about ST171394 a steep path cuts down diagonally towards the bottom of the combe. All three woodpeckers can be found in this area, although as in many other areas Lesser Spotted is by no means guaranteed. The scrubby area at the bottom of the path is good for both Blackcaps and Garden Warblers; there are also Marsh Tits in this area but they are becoming increasingly difficult to find. From here follow the path back up through the combe to the lay-by. Along the bottom of the combe Wood Warblers are frequently heard singing; Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs can be found on the southern side, and Tree Pipits are occasionally present, but are easier in other areas.

The other way to work this area is to access the bottom of the combe from the minor road which runs NW of Bincombe Green but parking is difficult here and not recommended.