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Protecting
Exe Estuary, Dawlish Warren and East Devon Pebblebed Heaths for future generations to enjoy
An aerial photo of the Pebblebed Heaths with the Exe Estuary in the background

Why does wildlife need to be protected? 

Welcome to South East Devon Wildlife. We are an organisation created to protect internationally important nature reserves for future generations. We work for East Devon, Exeter and Teignbridge councils, in partnership with Natural England, the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, RSPB, and the Exe Estuary Management Partnership.  

With a growing population, there will be more recreational pressure on significant conservation sites at Dawlish Warren, East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and the Exe Estuary. Protecting these sites for residents and visitors alike, is important for a number of reasons including providing safe areas for all users to enjoy and caring for the wildlife they support. 

A map of the protected sites in the region

More information about the need for our work and the research behind it can be found in the South East Devon European Site Mitigation Strategy and the Pebblebed Heaths Visitor Management Plan.

There is so much amazing wildlife to be seen on all of our nature reserves. We have created lots of activities and information for you to make the most of your next trip to the countryside or to find out more about the wonderful wildlife that lives right on your doorstep. 

 A raft of measures are being carried out to protect the sites, these include: 

  • Two Wildlife Wardens delivering a programme of education for  visitors to the three sites. 
  • Dawlish Countryside Park – a brand new 65-acre green space for people to enjoy. 
  • Wildlife refuges near Dawlish Warren and Exmouth to protect wildlife by providing space for protected birds. These are outside the areas used for leisure. 
  • Updated codes of conduct for all the different types of groups using the Exe Estuary, Dawlish Warren and East Devon Pebblebed Heaths so they can use the areas safely, within the law, in consideration of other users, and at the same time protect nature. 
  • A patrol boat on the Exe Estuary, to keep all users safe and protect wildlife. 
  • Visitor access improvements on the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. 
  • Devon Loves Dogs – a free membership scheme to encourage responsible dog behaviour and protect the countryside. 
An aerial photograph of Dawlish Warren with Warren Point in the foreground

Dawlish Warren

Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve is a Special Area of Conservation and an important part of the Exe Estuary Special Protection Area and Ramsar site – an area of international importance for wildlife.
An aerial photograph of the Exe Estuary (c) Still Imaging

Exe Estuary

The Exe Estuary is designated as a Special Protection Area, Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
Woodbury Common

East Devon Pebblebed Heaths

The East Devon Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve is a Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Green
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Small waterfall embraced by greenery and moss

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Adult male on a wooden bridge over a river looking out at the scenery