Bufo bufo – the common toad

Bufo bufo – the common toad

The common toad is one of only two toads native to the UK; the other toad is the natterjack, which is smaller than the common toad, much rarer, and tends to live in coastal areas, in sand dunes and sandy heaths. With photographs taken by Sally Murray, as she was...
Woodbine Cottage

Woodbine Cottage

  The 1841 census shows George Ledger, aged 70, his wife Elizabeth, also 70, their son James, aged 30, and, possibly his grandson George, aged 14, living in “Village”.  This is presumably at the Homestead mentioned in the Tithe Map of 1840. Ten years...
Newsletter December 2025

Newsletter December 2025

BH continues in its endeavours to educate and benefit the community within its heritage facility. The website is constantly being updated with village stories, photographs and anecdotes. Only this very morning I read articles regarding fungi and spiders that clearly...
Amanita  Muscaria – Fly Agaric

Amanita  Muscaria – Fly Agaric

  This fly agaric (Amanita  muscaria), native to the UK and one of the most easily recognisable fungi in the world, was photographed near the golf course. The bright red cap with white spots and white gills, is a sign that autumn has arrived. The fly agaric is...
Coprinus Comatus – Shaggy Ink Cap

Coprinus Comatus – Shaggy Ink Cap

This common fungus (Coprinus comatus) is the shaggy mane or shaggy ink cap, sometimes called the ‘lawyer’s wig’. The cylindrical mushroom has soft, delicate scales and fragrant nutty smell. It is sometimes confused with the poisonous common ink cap, which has a...
Araneus Diadematus – Garden Spider

Araneus Diadematus – Garden Spider

This is one of the most common of the 650 species of spider found in the UK and is known to most as the Garden Spider or Garden Cross Spider, as a distinct white cross can be seen on the spider’s back (this photo shows the underside of the spider). It is found, as the...
Newsletter November 2025

Newsletter November 2025

October 9th saw “An Evening with Colin and Dave III”. It was a sell out night – an evening of anecdotal tales and photos of Bishopsteignton’s colourful characters and history. It was absolutely fabulous to see faces old and new enjoy a few drinks and engaging in the...
Newsletter October 2025

Newsletter October 2025

 As you read this BH article we are only a few days away from the Colin and Dave evening, in the village hall. Prior to this whimsical evening of mirth and merrimentColin and I, with the help of James Hooper pick out photographs of buildings, people, dogs etc with...
Newsletter September 2025

Newsletter September 2025

This month, BH starts with a word of thanks to Chris Grimshaw and Chris Ford with their invaluable assistance in helping with listed building consent and a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant application.This joint initiative with the Community Centre and...