Otter Estuary Nature Reserve

This compact and accessible estuary supports a particularly well developed saltmarsh flora that includes such characteristic plants as glasswort, sea puslane, and sea lavender. There is a classic saltmarsh zonation from the sea to the head of the estuary, where the influence of freshwater is greater and common reed and hemlock water dropwort grow. On the west of the estuary there is a small area of freshwater reedbed, pools and grazing marsh.

The Otter Estuary supports a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders, including redshank, common sandpiper, curlew and red-brested merganser. Reed warbler, sedge warbler and reed bunting breed on the site. There are footpaths on either side of the estuary, two viewing platforms to the west and a bird hide to the east.

Where: SY072 822
When: All year
Facilities: Dogs Allowed, Bird Hides, Information Boards, Cycle Paths, Visitor Centre, Walks,
Access: Bus route available. Cycle route available.
Hints and Tips: The estuary has more saltmarsh vegetation than any other in Devon and, together with the tidal mudflats, provides an important feeding and resting area for over-wintering birds.