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Description
Exminster Marshes is a reserve featuring marshland and wetland habitats with canals and rivers, and arable fields managed for farmland birds. Enjoy a lovely circular walk of 4 km (see the map) here in this fascinating landscape, where flocks of geese, ducks and waders are numerous. Regular visitors include Northern Lapwing, Common Redshank, Eurasian Wigeon and Warblers. Star species: Brent Goose,Cetti's Warbler, Northern Lapwing, Sedge Warbler, Eurasian Wigeon and Cirl Bunting.
Spring: The hedges and ditch edges come alive with the songs of warblers. Breeding Northern Lapwing and Common Redshank can be heard and seen displaying over the fields. Summer: Look carefully for Northern Lapwing and Common Redshank chicks feeding beside the pools. Autumn: Seeds and berries bring the hedgerows alive as flocks of European Goldfinch gather to feed on the seed heads and Redwing and Fieldfare gorge on the berries. Short-eared Owl can be seen hunting over the drier fields. Winter: Hundreds of Brent Goose grazing on the marsh or estuary. Eurasian Wigeon can be seen grazing close to Station Road and paths, and teals are in the ditches, with Northern Shoveler on the main pool. Less common species frequenting the lagoon include Tufted Duck, Northern Pintail and Gadwall.
Details
Access
By train: Exeter Central and Exeter St Davids stations are just over five miles (7 km) away. Complete the journey from Exeter bus station; take the Number 2 Exeter to Teignmouth bus (see bus information).
By bus: There is a regular bus service (Number 2 Exeter - Dawlish Warren - Dawlish - Teignmouth - Newton Abbot). The Swan's Nest stop is close to the Swans Nest roundabout at the southern end of Exminster. From the Swans Nest roundabout, it's a five-minute walk down Station Road past Swans Nest Inn to the RSPB car park.
By bike: Adjacent to the National Cycle Network Route 2.
By road: On the west side of the Exe, on the outskirts of Exminster, Exminster Marshes nature reserve is at grid ref: SX954872. At the southern end of Exminster village take the Station Road exit from the Swans Nest roundabout off the A379. Go past the Swans Nest Inn and over the railway bridge. The lane to the RSPB car park is then immediately to the right (signposted). Powderham Marsh nature reserve (SX953871) is accessed from the car park at the rear of the Swans Nest Inn (by kind permission.
Other ways to get there: The summer foot ferry links Topsham (and our Bowling Green Marsh hide and The RSPB Shop at Darts Farm) with these reserves.
Viewing points: Fixed bench and viewing slots including at a lower level at the viewing screen at Exminster. Non-RSPB viewing platform accessed from canal path has no seating and low viewing slots. Viewing platform at the end of Powderham nature trail, overlooks reserve, Exe estuary and beyond with two seats and two small steps to access it.
Terrain and Habitat
Mud flats , Wetland , Grassland , Reedbeds , Scattered trees and bushes , AgricultureConditions
Flat , High water possible , WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Autumn migration , Spring migrationRoute
Narrow trail , Unpaved road , Wide path , Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
As Devon's premier wetland this area is not only an important place for wildlife, but a place filled with human history too. The land was originally part of the estuary until the Exeter Ship Canal was built in the 19th Century, and the remains of the RAF's Second World War signal interception base can still be seen today.