River Exe Estuary

The Exe 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.

All three reserves, Exminster Marshes, Powderham Marshes and Bowling Green Marsh, are open all year. At Exminster Marshes, visitors should use the public paths and tracks; the canal towpath provides good views over the fields. At Powderham Marshes, there is a marked trail leading to a viewpoint over the reserve; due to the open nature of the marshes, we regret that no dogs are allowed on site.