Exe Estuary RSPB Nature Reserves, Exeter, South Devon
RSPB nature reserves on the Exe Estuary near Exeter
The River Exe rises on the high moors of Exmoor National Park north west of Simonsbath and arcs south east towards the Dulverton area on the fringe of the Park before flowing south through Tiverton to Exeter. From there, the river runs into the Exe Estuary and the English Channel at Exmouth. The wetland system of the Exe Estuary is an exceptionally important wildlife site.
'The estuary is particularly important for birds in winter, when the mild climate and suitable feeding areas attract tens of thousands of wetland birds - some of them from the UK but many travelling from northern and eastern Europe. Up to 20,000 wading birds and ducks, geese and swans can be present mid-winter, making the area important on an international scale. The estuary also provides a vital feeding and resting area for many thousands of birds migrating to and from their northern breeding territories.' (RSPB Exe Estuary Nature Reserves leaflet)
RSPB Nature Reserves
Bowling Green Marsh RSPB Nature Reserve
Bowling Green Marsh is located on the east side of the Exe Estuary by Topsham.
'Bowling Green Marsh is the main high tide roost for the north of the [Exe Estuary] and one of the premier birdwatching sites in south-west England.' (RSPB Exe Estuary Nature Reserves leaflet)
Exminster Marshes RSPB Nature Reserve
Exminster Marshes is located on the west side of Exe Estuary between Exminster and The Turf and Turf Locks.
'The wetland bird spectacle is at its best in winter, when hundreds of ducks and flocks of lapwings, curlews and black-tailed godwits can be seen on the marshes. In spring, the marshes are particularly important for regionally scarce nesting lapwings and redshanks.' (Information board at Exminster Marshes RSPB Nature Reserve)
Powderham Marshes RSPB Nature Reserve
Powederham Marshes sits below Exminster Marshes.
Matford Marsh RSPB Nature Reserve
Matford Marsh is located by Exeter Canal on the edge of Exeter.
Photo Gallery
