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RSPB
Registered charity
number 207076
In the South West the RSPB manages some 13 nature reserves, namely: Isley Marsh, Chapel Wood, Exe Estuary, Aylesbeare, Radipole, Lodmoor, Garston Wood, Greylake, Hayle Estuary, Marazion Marsh, Ham Wall, West Sedgemoor and Arne.
Aylesbeare Common
This is a local reserve, being a quiet area of East Devon heathland which is home to birds such as the dartford warbler, nightjar and stonechat. Other wildlife such as butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies are found in its sheltered wooded fringes, streams and ponds.
A wide range of both heathland and woodland species of other birds can also be found on the reserve which is located five miles east of junction 30 of the M5 at Exeter. Half a mile past the Halfway Inn on the A3052, turn right, signposted Hawkerland and the car park is immediately on the left.
Exe Estuary
The estuary of the River Exe is renowned nationally and beyond as a site of special scientific interest, supporting large numbers of wintering and migrating birds, as well as populations of breeding birds. This reserve has two separate areas of coastal grazing marsh on opposite sides of the estuary – Exminster Marshes and Bowling Green Marsh.
In spring you can see breeding lapwings and redshanks. In winter, during floods and at high tide, you can see thousands of ducks and geese and wading birds roosting and feeding, such as curlews, lapwings, black-tailed godwits and wigeons. Hundreds of avocets can also be seen on the estuary in winter.
An excellent means of seeing the wildlife is on an RSPB Exe avocet cruise with a running commentary from expert bird identifiers.
Exminster Marshes is east of Exminster village; Bowling Green Marsh is on the outskirts of Topsham. Both 5 miles/8 km south of Exeter on either side of the river. Exminster Marshes is accessible from the A379 Dawlish road. Bowling Green Marsh signposted from the Holman Way car park in Topsham.
| Bird photography and images copyright individual owners, as follows: Dartford Warbler, perching on heather - Mike McKavett, ref: 2002-3949-576 |