Exmouth Local Nature Reserve, Exmouth, Devon
Exmouth Local Nature Reserve is a globally important wetland of tidal sand and mudflats at the end of the Exe Estuary in Devon. Every winter huge flocks of birds settle here after journeys of up to 3000 miles from the Arctic tundra, among them are dark-bellied Brent geese, wigeon, pintail duck and avocet. No surprise that this nature reserve is a designated SSSI, a Special Protection Area and a Ramsar Site, but more – parts of it are dedicated Wildlife Refuges with no access between September and December so that birds can rest and feed undisturbed. Keen twitchers might see them if they have powerful binoculars, or if the warden has a telescope set up with viewing range.
It's not just about the birds though; people come to Exmouth Local Nature Reserve to enjoy the tranquillity, away from Exmouth’s busy seafront, and when the tide is at its lowest point, some stroll out to the remoter parts of the estuary. To do so is humbling, but you feel a part of the universe, connected to nature and the elements; the coastal air, the sea breeze. It’s pure mindfulness.
All information correct at the time of writing