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Description
*As of February 2024 Natural England has designated The Lower Otter Restoration Project site a National Nature Reserve, congratulations to all those that have and continue to do at this site.*
The Otter estuary runs North to South on the Eastern edge of the town of Budleigh Salterton, which is East of Exmouth and Exe Estuary. Unsurprisingly there can be some interchange of birds between these sites, especially geese and ducks. The estuary has excellent footpaths, making it possible to have a circular walk from two starting point car parks. Some more unusual birds have occurred like Пупунец, ибис, чапја говедарка and белокрила црнка on the sea. IMPORTANT NOTICE, on the morning of 6th January 2021 East Devon District Council Planning Committee has PASSED the application by the Lower Otter Restoration Project, that will make the area an improved habitat for birds, as well as reducing flooding risks to the town. The project will include breaking 'gaps' in the embankments to flood even more areas along the valley, the project is due to be completed by 2023. FURTHER IMPORTANT NOTICE, as of Wednesday 17th February 2021, the Devon Birds (devon birds.org) hide on the Eastern bank is NOW CLOSED due to persistent vandalism, it will soon be dismantled and removed returning the site to it's natural state (following map adjusted). PLEASE NOTE, work has now restarted on site after a temporary halt in May 2021 due to the nesting season, it is still hoped the project will be completed by the end of 2023.
PLEASE NOTE, as of January 2024, the construction phase of the Lower Otter Restoration Project is now complete, all paths are now open.
Latest News 16th October 2024, 4 мустаклеста сипка on the reserve, (including 1 male) all highly mobile in heavy rain.
Details
Access
Budleigh Salterton can be reached from the seaside town of Exmouth using the B3178 that runs directly to the estuary mouth, where there is a large car park (fee payable), the estuary footpath runs North from here.
A further car park (fee payable) can be found to the North close to the Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club, this car park is ideal for access to the North part of the estuary.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , Sea , Reedbeds , City/village , Agriculture , Mud flats , Beach , WetlandConditions
Flat , Wet , Slippery , Sandy , Open landscape , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Spring , Spring migration , Autumn migration , AutumnRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , Car , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
The footpath on the Eastern side of the Estuary is a out and back route, but it's Southern point can be good for Seawatching.