Season's Greetings!
As 2022 draws to a close we reflect on what has happened since our last newsletter. With the changing season, bird numbers on the estuary have increased as around 20,000 migratory birds stop off to rest and feed. It is always a pleasure to witness this spectacle, but with the ever-increasing challenges of climate change and bird flu, this year we feel relieved to see many birds still returning and making the most of the chilly start to winter!
New Team
 We have two new Wildlife Wardens that have recently joined the team. Imo started in August and with a background in nature-based activities, conservation volunteering, water sports instruction and an Environmental Science degree, we know she will bring her unique experience to the role.
Ben started with us at the end of October after graduating from Cardiff University with a Biological Sciences degree. Living and growing up in Exmouth he returns to his hometown to help the local wildlife. He starts his career with us and hopes to learn the ropes.
Beavers On The Exe
 Photo Credits: @steveengland19 on Twitter, Steve Edwards
On 16th of November, a beaver was spotted on the River Exe near Turf lock! This unexpected sighting presumably means that beavers from the River Otter are thriving well enough to be able to explore beyond the rivers and region that they were assumed to have remained in.
Merry Honking Christmas
 Photo Credits:Tom Collier © lifeofiso
After their winter migration from Siberia, Brent geese have arrived on the river Exe to feed on the eelgrass. To allow these birds the space and time to regather their fat stores and energy, we work with visitors to ensure that the Exe wildlife refuges are free from disturbance.
The Exmouth refuge runs from 15th of September to the 31st of December and all year round for the Dawlish Warren refuge. We have been patrolling these areas to help people learn about the refuge and the protected status of the wildlife there.
Parking in Style
 Phases 1 and 2 of the visitor access improvements on the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths have been completed, which means that Four Firs, Frying pans, Joneys Cross, The Warren, Estuary View and Woodbury Castle have all been upgraded.
There are brand new signs at the entrance to help people find their way around and others inside the car parks with useful information to aid your explorations!
'Bye 'Bye, Ponies
 The ponies at Dawlish Warren will shortly be moving on to pastures new after finishing their labours! They’ll be moving back inland to their farm for the winter and due to them having eaten their fill at the Warren.
The ponies are brought onto Dawlish Warren to help with conservation grazing, which is the practice of using farm animals to graze the grassland and allow the habitat to thrive.
Devon Loves Dogs – free membership!
 Devon Loves Dogs is a free membership scheme for dog owners and dog walkers. The aim of the scheme is to protect our treasured countryside and encourage responsible dog ownership so that we can continue to enjoy our special wildlife sites now and in the future.
A Four Paws Code makes up part of a free membership pack of goodies, providing a wealth of information about where to walk and how to care for the places we all love walking in.
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