We’re lucky. Very lucky.

The Exe Estuary isn’t just where we work, and wander. It’s one of the most important natural landscapes in the South West of the UK, protected, celebrated and cherished for good reason. In winter especially, this stretch of water becomes something quietly extraordinary.

From October through to early spring, the estuary transforms into a sanctuary. A place of stillness, resilience and global significance. And while it may look calm on the surface, trust us it’s working incredibly hard beneath it.

Living Amongst the Best

It’s easy for us to rave about the Exe Estuary. From golden skies in both summer and winter (November is incredible!) and mirrored water at sunset, to hearing the birds call over the estuary on frosty mornings, it feels like one of the best places on Earth - and you know, there is science backing up that feeling. The Exe is protected not because it’s pretty, but because it’s irreplaceable.

The neighbouring East Devon National Landscape highlights this too: it’s part of a broader protected region that celebrates and conserves Devon’s extraordinary nature, from our dramatic cliffs to our estuary shores.

An Area Worth Protecting

Much of the Exe Estuary sits within nationally and internationally recognised conservation designations, including Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar Wetland of International Importancestatus.

It’s also part of a much larger tapestry of protected landscapes. Nearby, the East Devon National Landscape, previously known as the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), wraps green rolling hills, incredible coastlines and the most stunning views, into one inspiring whole. This is officially recognised as one of England’s most spectacular natural areas, where wildlife and people coexist and most importantly, flourish.

These designations exist because the Exe supports internationally important populations of migratory birds and rare habitats such as mudflats, saltmarsh and eelgrass beds.

This is not just a beautiful place. It’s a vital one.

A Winter Refuge for Wildlife

Every winter, tens of thousands of birds arrive on the Exe Estuary after migrating from northern Europe and Arctic regions, including parts of Siberia. It's that simple.

They come here to rest and feed during the harshest months of the year, relying on the estuary’s rich mudflats and eelgrass beds to survive.

Among them are:

✔️ Dark-bellied Brent Geese – around 1% of the global population winters here

✔️ Wigeon, Avocet, Oystercatcher and Dunlin

✔️ Grey Plover and Black-tailed Godwit

For these birds, winter is about conserving energy. Disturbance, even brief, can mean using up precious reserves they simply can’t afford to lose.

What Is the Wildlife Refuge Area?

To protect this fragile balance, voluntary wildlife refuge areas are put in place across parts of the estuary during winter.

These zones give birds undisturbed areas to feed and roost.

✔️ Some areas, such as the eelgrass beds at Exmouth Local Nature Reserve, are protected from mid-September until 31 December.

✔️ Other sensitive sites, including areas around Dawlish Warren, are protected all year round.

Living Somewhere Special Comes With Responsibility

We often say we live in one of the best places on earth. And we genuinely believe that.

But with that privilege comes an expectation: look after it.

When you’re visiting in winter and walking the estuary paths, visiting the shoreline or enjoying the calm, we ask that you:

✔️ When you're exploring the Exe estuary, keep your distance from feeding and roosting birds

✔️ Avoid walking into or entering clearly marked refuge zones

✔️ Follow local signage for your walks, and seasonal guidance

✔️ Keep dogs under close control when walking

These small, thoughtful choices make all the difference to the estuary our cafe calls home.

A Shared Space, Year-Round

Winter may be quieter on the water, but it’s one of the most important seasons for the Exe Estuary. The care shown now ensures this place continues to thrive - for wildlife, for people, and for generations to come.

We’re proud to call the Exe home.

All everyone asks is that when you’re here (for life, or just for a short while!), you treat it with the respect and love that it deserves.

Because places this special don’t look after themselves.

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Loving the the River Exe estuary in winter, why not come back in summer and book a table on board to enjoy some sunshine and a whole host of different wildlife, including our estuary seals.