-Dawlish Warren.JPG)
) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
The Warren runs north-east to south-west and is approx a mile in length. With the Exe Estuary to the North-West and English Channel to the South-East, it comprises a sandy beach, grassland with many unusual plants, small trees and numerous shrubs, some wet areas with pools, a smallish lake and reedbed and a PRIVATE Golf Course (DO NOT trespass on the golf course under any circumstances). There is a viewing platform overlooking the lake just after the visitors centre. On a falling tide, (the headland gets cut off at high tide) the high tide roost in the NW inlet before the headland can be viewed from a steep track up the dunes by Groyne 12. There is no access to the old disused hide. From this viewpoint and others along the beach side facing SE, there are good opportunities to observe sea ducks/grebes/divers. Pelagic species also occur, especially during strong onshore winds.
Details
Access
From the City of Exeter the A379 runs down the west side of the Exe Estuary, after the village of Starcross, take a sharp left into Church Road near Cockwood (Harbour), this road eventually becomes Dawlish Warren Road. At the first mini roundabout turn left and go through a narrow tunnel under the Paddington to Penzance mainline. The large car park (pay and display) is just on the left.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Wetland , River , Sea , Dunes , Reedbeds , Mud flats , Beach , City/villageConditions
Flat , High water possible , Wet , Sandy , Open landscape , RockyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
TAKE NOTE, since the winter storms of 2019-2020, an area of dunes have been eroded. The area has been 'repaired' by the Environment Agency, with large sand-filled Geotubes to stop coastal erosion. However further storm damage has eroded the repair work. This has resulted in the access to the hide being washed away and the hide is now closed. There is temporary access to the main headland halfway along the dunes by the beach, but this is subject to storm damage, so access is best on a falling tide walking along the beach. Dawlish Warren is a popular summer destination and can be VERY busy during summer months.