The Lower Otter Restoration Project worked with local people and partner organisations to adapt and enhance the downstream part of the River Otter, its estuary, and its immediate surroundings for future generations in the face of a rapidly changing climate. It is a managed realignment scheme, ultimately leading to a 70m controlled breach. This has created a wetland habitat, which supports a variety of different wildlife.
The Otter Estuary Reserve consists of intertidal saltmarsh and mudflat, home to a variety of specialised plants adapted to the changing tides. Visitors can explore over 5 km of footpaths, with numerous viewpoints to pause, take in the landscape, and observe wildlife.
By car: Park in the Lime Kiln car park in Budleigh Salterton (SY073821; EX9 6JD) or the Otter Estuary car park by South Farm Road (SY070829) – car park charges.
By bus: Local buses to Budleigh Salterton, or buses to Otterton. From either of these, it is a walk along footpaths to get to the Lower Otter Restoration Project/Estuary.
The project was delivered because the previous 200-year-old sea defences were starting to fail and were becoming increasingly hard to maintain. This affected public infrastructure, local businesses and homes, and recreational facilities.