Dawlish Inner Warren

Part of the massive Dawlish Warren sand spit at the mouth of the River Exe. This reserve is a vital home and migratory stopping off place for thousands of wading birds and wildfowl.

Location

East of Dawlish

Dawlish

EX7 0NF

OS Map Reference

SX 985 794

Know before you go

Size

113 hectares

Entry fee

Grazing animals

Walking trails

Paths are clear from the car park to the birdhide. This route will take about an hour.

Access

Paths lead sand dunes. Access to the birdhide via a stretch of beach. Much of our Inner Warren is used as a golf course. Access to these parts is by permit only. Contact us for disabled access information.

Dogs

No dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

Our Dawlish Inner Warren nature reserve forms part of a massive sand spit which reaches out across the mouth of the River Exe.

This is one of the South West's best birdwatching locations. A dedicated bird hide brings you close to the action.

Species

Habitat

Contact us

Devon Wildlife Trust

Contact number: 01392 279244

Contact email: contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Location map

How to get to Dawlish Inner Warren

Click here to find out how to get to Dawlish Inner Warren

Curlew in wet sand — Curlew. Photo, Neil Bygrave

Best for birds

'The Warren', as it is known, and its surrounding mudflats, is a vital feeding ground for thousands of wading birds and wildfowl.

In spring and autumn it acts as a stopover site for migrating birds.

Look out for a long list including sandwich terns, Arctic terns, curlews, black- and bar-tailed godwits, brent geese and red-breasted mergansers.

Warren crocus at Dawlish Warren — Warren crocus. Photo, Vicki Gardner

The rare Warren crocus

Elsewhere, Inner Warren is the only British home to the tiny Warren crocus.

Much of Inner Warren is used as a golf course by the Warren Golf Club and so access is restricted. Access to the Outer Warren is open to the public. This part of the site is managed by Teignbridge District Council.

Access update November 2019

Recent storms have meant that the dune path through the Outer Warren between groynes 10 and 18 is unsafe to use and is now closed. Part of the Environment Agency's 'Geotube' sea defences have also become exposed.

Access along the site, to and from Warren Point (and the bird hide) will be along the beach only, with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of high water. Signs are being placed around the Warren to alert people.