Thousands of birds set to return to the Exe Estuary

At this time of year, the Exe Estuary becomes a major feeding and resting area for migratory birds making their long journey here to escape the extreme cold of the Arctic winter.

They include Brent Geese which make an incredible 3,000-mile journey from the boggy arctic tundra of eastern Siberia

To help the birds survive, two wildlife refuges are active which people should avoid – at Exmouth Duckpond from 15 September to 31 December and at Dawlish Warren, all year round.

Cllr Jackie Hook, Chair of the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee and Executive Member for Climate Change, Trees & Coastal at Teignbridge District Council said: “The food in and around the wildlife refuges is nutritious for our internationally important winter wildfowl migrants. Thousands of birds feast upon the seagrass, squabbling over the tastiest patches.

“Activities like dog walking on the beach, fishing from the shore and water sports can disturb these birds, affecting their health and survival.

“Thanks to everyone visiting the estuary for their cooperation and help to keep these areas as sanctuaries for wildlife.”

The South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee and wider partnership was set up in 2016. The committee is a tri-council, legally-required collaboration of Exeter City and East Devon, Teignbridge District Councils. Decision making is shared equally between these councils, with the Chair of the committee rotating every year.

The wider partnership includes Natural England, the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, RSPB, and the Exe Estuary Management Partnership

The councils are legally required to protect three internationally important wildlife sites within a 10km radius of new developments at Exe Estuary, East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and Dawlish Warren. Due to a growing population and new homes, recreational pressure on these important conservation sites is increasing. Protecting these sites for residents and visitors alike is important for several reasons including providing safe areas for all users to enjoy and caring for the wildlife there.

The work is funded from developer contributions from the sale of new homes. Reporting to the Committee, the Delivery Manager manages a team of four people to protect the sites through:

• A programme of education and engagement for visitors, groups, young people and dog walkers
• £1/2M investment for visitor access improvements on Pebblebed Heaths
• Managing and monitoring visitor access across the area
• Monitoring of species and habitats
• Working with key stakeholders and landowners
• Patrolling the Exe Estuary by boat to ensure wildlife protection
• Creating alternative green spaces to give a wider choice instead of the three protected sites
• Creating two wildlife refuges for overwintering birds in the Exe Estuary

The habitat regulations work safeguards the protected wildlife sites at the same time as ensuring the councils’ Local Plans can continue to be delivered, enabling 30,000 new homes to be built until 2040 for local people across East Devon, Exeter and Teignbridge. It also secures large areas of attractive and convenient new green spaces across the area to help absorb the increasing recreational demand. Find out more at www.southeastdevonwildlife.org.uk or follow them on social media.