Exmouth Local Nature Reserve

For details of places to stay and things to do near Exmouth Local Nature Reserve, please try the links on the right. The nearest featured town to Exmouth Local Nature Reserve is Exmouth.

Exmouth Local Nature Reserve is one of the largest in Devon, and an important area for over-wintering birds. When autumn arrives thousands of birds fly in from the freezing Arctic and during the winter months they feed on the food sources in the exposed sand and mud along the River Exe.

September sees the arrival of the dark bellied brent geese, and an influx of widgeon, pintail ducks and a whole host of wildfowl join them.

Human visitors can access the nature reserve along the 'Weasel Run' which is part of the East Devon Way. Suitable for wheelchairs the path offers excellent views across the nature reserve. You'll see the remarkable bird behaviour at first hand: watch the gulls as they deftly drop mussel shells from a great height in order to break them open; and small gulls will tap their feet in a soft puddle to attract underlying food items to the surface.

There is access to the sands but there are no set routes so care should be taken, as the mud can be very deep in places. Welly boots are a must and visitors should check on the tide times before venturing out. For more details contact the Tourist Information Centre at Exmouth on 01395 222299.