Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, Dawlish Warren, South Devon
One of the most important wildlife sites in Europe
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve 'is one of the most important wildlife sites in Europe'. It's also exceptionally beautiful and provides magnificent views of the Exe Estuary, Exmouth and the beginning/end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site at Exmouth Orcombe Point Geoneedle.
It's a coastal nature reserve with a huge beach, impressive dunes and mudflats. There's also a visitor centre next to the large car parking area.
We'd recommend walking north east along the beach to Warren Point which juts out into the Exe Estuary. Return on one of the many paths that cross the dunes before they converge on a single track that follows the line of the beach back to Dawlish Warren resort. These paths are clearly visible on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting further to research the area.
'Each Autumn up to 23,000 wildfowl and wading birds travel to the Exe Estuary from the far north to escape the cold. They start arriving in August and stay until late March. The Warren is vital for their survival providing the main roosting (or resting) place on high tides. For about 3 hours before and after high tide several thousand birds gather on the Warren's shores. These include important flocks of Dunlin, Grey Plover, Bar Tailed Godwit and Oystercatcher. Brent Geese, Wigeon and Teal also shelter in inshore waters.' (Source: information leaflets on site)
Location of Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve
We've positioned Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve on Google maps. Zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.
Other nature reserves in this part of South Devon
Other nature reserves in the Exe Estaury include Exmouth Nature Reserve, the Exe Estuary RSPB Nature Reserves and the Old Sludge Beds Nature Reserve. There's the River Exe Country Park, too.
Dawlish Warren
Dawlish Warren is a very popular holiday resort. It gets very busy in summer months but the crowds tend to stay in the south west section of the beach.
Following the South West Coast Path from Dalwish Warren
We'd also recommend following the South West Coast Path south to Langstone Rock and then south west to Dawlish. Beyond that are Teignmouth and the Teign Estuary.
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