02 Nov 2021
Wildlife refuges designed to protect wild birds in the Exe Estuary are proving successful.
The two wildlife refuges were set-up three years ago to ask all visitors to avoid these areas at certain times of the year: all year round off Dawlish Warren and between 15th September and 31st December at Exmouth Duckpond.
The results of a three-year monitoring programme have revealed that the wildlife refuges are working and show that people have mostly complied with requests to stay out of the areas.
The results showed that the wildlife refuges significantly reduce disturbance to protected bird species on the Exe Estuary. In addition, the results indicate that the wildlife refuges are in the right places and cover the most critical times of year for protected birds. Evidence showed that the maximum numbers of wildfowl (ducks, geese and swans) recorded at the Exmouth refuge showed an annual increase over the three years of the study. It means that the Estuary is better able to provide undisturbed resting and feeding sites for these birds into the future.
Unsurprisingly, the results were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic – both from numbers of people having reduced access during lockdowns and conversely by staycations increasing the number of people on the Estuary when lockdown ended.
Councillor Martin Wrigley, Chair of the South East Devon Habitat Regulation Executive Committee and Teignbridge Executive Member for Communities, Housing and IT, said:
The latest monitoring reports show great results for the wildlife on the Exe Estuary, and that the wildlife refuge spaces are having an impact. It has been great to see so many people out on the water enjoying and sharing the area with the birds. Through showing consideration for others – including the wildlife – we can continue to keep the Exe Estuary, Dawlish Warren and the Pebblebed Heaths the special places they are for generations to come.
The surveys were carried out by independent ecologists, Footprint Ecology, who started monitoring the Exe Estuary before the wildlife refuges were in place to compare the situation before and after their introduction. Read the full report.
The survey report showed:
You can do your bit to keep the Exe Estuary special for years to come by keeping out of the wildlife refuges and following the codes of conduct for the area.
Decisions made by SEDHREC are subject to a call-in by the three councils for a period of 5 days following the meeting.
Anne Mountjoy
Marketing and Communications Officer
East Devon District Council
07816 220499
amountjoy@eastdevon.gov.uk