Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve

An ornithologist’s paradise, Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Indeed, the Exe Estuary, including the National Nature Reserve, is a wetland of international importance under the RAMSAR Convention and a Special Protection Area under the EC Birds Directive for its wintering bird populations. Dawlish Warren is based on a spit of sand and gravel which is in a state of constant flux. Fragile habitats of sand dunes, ponds and estuary mud rich in organisms play host to migrating wading birds such as curlews. Behind the beach at Dawlish Warren, the 500 acre Nature Reserve is one of the most important wildlife sites in Devon.