RSPB Exminster and Powderham Marshes — Attraction in Teignbridge

It was easy to get to on public transport - a train to Exeter Central, then Stagecoach No. 2 from Exeter Bus & Coach station, which is around 15-20 min walk across the city centre. The bus dropped us off outside the Royal Oak in Exminster (distance from city 5 miles), and we walked towards the Swan's Nest Pub by Station Road. The entrance was clearly signposted, so we walked through, picked up the last map of the area and continued walking. There was no admission fee, but it would've been nice to pop a donation somewhere on the site. The site was well maintained, with hardly any litter around and there were some signs of habitat management in terms of controlling overgrowing brambles, nettles and dock leaves. At the top of the walk past the first viewing point we weren't too sure of which direction the public path takes at the junction of the cows field(s). By using the small map taken at the start it wasn't clear where it turns left to complete the circular walk. So we had to go through the cows field towards what looks like a cow pen with long locked gates. After climbing through the 2 gates, we joined the main pedestrian path from the Turf Inn 1/2 a mile away back to station road. Overall, it was a lovely day for a long walk for spotting butterflies, bumblebees and other insects of interest. We didn't see much bird life due to the dry weather - only a colony of Canadian geese. At some points the terrain was a little overgrown which made the next move difficult to decide but we relied on gut instinct. There were no toilet facilities at the site, so we used those at the Swan's Nest. It would've been better to wear appropriate clothing because I was wearing shorts so my legs were subjected to stinging nettles, thistles...

As RSPB members we were disappointed with our visit to Exminster. It is a location with no visitors centre or staff in attendance. The path at the starting point is so overgrown and full of nettles that you constantly have to keep your head down, not great for bird watching. When you do lift your head the hedges and crops are so high that you can't see anything. There are no hides to sit in and observe the nature. Overall we didn't have much opportunity to see any birds. I suppose I should be pleased that what wildlife there is, is being left...

This is a real hidden gem. I live in Exminster and this is a great route to the Turf locks which at the end is just a field away, sometimes with a few cowsto navigate past. There are plenty of places to look across reeds for rare birds and a hidden environmental area with hide outs for snakes and other creatures. There are also some nice picnic benches to rest and have some food or a flask of tea. Definitely recommend and fairly quiet route so you can really get that connection with...