Poll
What has been DWT's biggest achievement in its first 50 years?
Reserves - Old Sludge Beds
Key Information
Grid reference/Postcode
SX 950 889
Location
Countess Wear, Exeter
Access
Open
Habitat
Freshwater reedbed, open water, scrub and wet woodland.
Supporters
PEF
Pennon Environment Fund have awarded DWT around £5000 to improve access and interpretation at the site. The work is due to be completed in 2011.
Get Involved
Old Sludge Beds
A rich wetland urban reserve on the Exe Estuary. Great place to watch starling flocks and wading birds.
- Spring - curlews and avocets
- Summer - dragonflies and Cetti warbler birds
- Autumn - starling flocks
- Winter - birds on mud flats, curlew, avocets and teal
- Old sewage waterworks turned into a wildlfie haven
- Herons
Nature reserve leaflet
Download a guide to this nature reserve here.
The Old Sludge Beds Nature Reserve lies within the Exe Estuary and is sandwiched between the Exeter Ship Canal and the River Exe. The site supports a mosaic of wetland habitats, open water, freshwater reedbed and scrub, on land that was previously occupied by the sewage treatment works at Countess Wear.
The reserve is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and a RAMSAR Site.
The nature reserve has good access with a path with boardwalks running through the site and linking on to the public right of way along the Exeter Ship Canal.
Elevated water levels are maintained throughout the summer months so some sections of footpath may become waterlogged. Visitors are advised to wear stout walking boots.
The old sewage pump house on the reserve has been converted into a roost for bats.
Help us manage our nature reserves
Enjoyed a visit to one of our nature reserves and want to help us keep them in top condition? It couldn't be simpler, just select the 'nature reserves' option on our Donation page. Thank you.