
The bight, Dawlish Inner Warren. Photo, Simon Williams
Dawlish Inner Warren
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoGrazing animals
NoWalking trails
Path to bird hide closed due to erosion.
Access
Please note that, due to storm damage and erosion, the dune path which provides access to the bird hide is now unsafe and has been closed by Teignbridge Council. We will update this webpage if the situation changes.
Access from Groyne 10 to Groyne 15 will be only be via the beach and there is a risk of being cut off for approximately one hour either side of the high water or in poor weather conditions. Please check the onsite notices for up to date information.
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
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
All year roundAbout 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.*
*Please note that the bird hide has been closed by Teignbridge Council due to erosion on the path.
Contact us
Environmental designation
Location map
How to get to Dawlish Inner Warren

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. 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.
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