| Exminster
wildlife walk |
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| The
Exminster walk is superb for bird spotters. |
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BBC
Radio Devon's Vic Morgan takes you on a gentle walk through one of
Devon's most important wildlife sites.
The path from Exminster to Turf Lock has recently been restored by
the RSPB. |
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My
favourite walk begins outside the Swan's Nest pub in Exminster, and
takes in the recently restored RSPB footpath alongside the main Exeter
to Plymouth railway line.
The Exe Estuary is a must for anyone interested in natural history
and is recognised as being a wildlife habitat of international importance.
The landmark at the start of the walk is the old Exminster station,
now converted to Toby's reclamation yard - a place where you can buy
anything from a large church urn to a Romany caravan.
It's then on past the signal box which is a wooden construction and
has four chimney stacks on top.
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| The
Exminster Marshes are a haven for birdlife. |
The
signpost says 1.8 km to the Turf pub, and that 1.8 km takes in views
of the Exminster Marshes nature reserve.
The marshes are a haven for thousands of wintering and breeding birds.
In the Spring you can watch breeding lapwings and redshanks and in
winter during floods and at high tide there are thousands of roosting
and feeding curlews, lapwings and wigeons.
Recently the RSPB built two lagoons to encourage wildfowl to return
to the area, and that’s been a massive success.
The walk continues until you reach the Turf Lock, where you'll find
a pub which affords wonderful views across the Exe Estuary.
You can see to The Point at Exmouth, across to Lympstone and Topsham,
and enjoy watching the birds as they feed at low tide.
And if you have time in hand, you can stop off for a jolly nice pint
as well. There's an excellent garden where the children can play.
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an alternative route you can return along the canal towpath.
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If
you're up for a longer walk, carry on past the Turf Lock on the footpath
alongside the estuary which takes you to Powderham village.
On the return leg of the walk you have two options. You can retrace
your route back on the RSPB footpath or complete the circle by heading
back along the towpath of the Exeter Canal.
A wonderful winter walk, and a pint of beer, now that’s a pretty
good way to spend your day.
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BBC Devon
Broadcasting House
Seymour Road
Plymouth
PL3 5BD
(+44) 01752 229201
devon.online@bbc.co.uk
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