Dawlish Warren NNR
The NNR contains the full range of coastal habitats, from mudflats to sand dunes.
County: Devon
Main habitats: Coastal, Maritime
Area: 161.6 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Dawlish Warren NNR is jointly owned and managed by the Teignbridge District Council and the Devon Wildlife Trust.
Up to 8,000 wading birds rest at Warren Point at high tide and the site supports over 600 plant species, including the rare Warren crocus which is unique to the area. New species are still being found, notably the diminutive petalwort, an internationally rare liverwort.
In light of its importance the area has been declared a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Ramsar site as part of the Exe Estuary.
Location and access
The reserve is a large sand spit directly opposite Exmouth and immediately adjacent to the town of Dawlish Warren.
By car, access to the site is via minor roads from the A379.
The nearest train station is Dawlish Warren, less that 0.5 km to the south of the reserve.
The reserve is near Route 2 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. A National Trail, the South West Coast Path passes near the reserve.
Facilities
The reserve has a visitor centre open daily from early April to the end of September. At other times it is open at weekends only.
Toilet and refreshment facilities are available in Dawlish Warren town, there are no facilities at the reserve.
Parts of the reserve offer wheelchair and pushchair access.
