The Otter Estuary

The Otter Estuary is a compact and accessible estuary, which supports a particularly well-developed saltmarsh flora that includes such characteristic plants as glasswort, sea purslane 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-breasted merganser. Reed warbler, sedge warbler and reed bunting breed on the site.

On foot: The South West Coast Path runs around the estuary. This path can be easily accessed from nearby Budleigh Salterton – just head east along the town’s seafront.

By bike: There is an Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton cycle route.

By bus: Budleigh Salterton is easily accessed by bus, see the Travel Devon website for further information.

By car: Budleigh Salterton’s Lime Kiln car park is right at the entrance to the reserve.