|
The Otter
Estuary Nature Reserve is one of the smallest and yet most picturesque estuaries
in South Devon and is leased from a local landowner for a peppercorn rent by the
Devon Wildlife Trust. Around 500 years ago the River Otter used to be navigable
by boats up to Otterton, today it is somewhat narrower and is un-navigable due
to the gradual silting up which has occurred as the beach has closed off the
mouth of the river.
The
estuary today supports a diverse range of animals from the billions of tiny
creatures that live in the silt to the flocks of birds which visit to feed or
find shelter in the sea-club rushes which line the banks. As the estuary moves
inland the vegetation changes from plants which prefer wet salty conditions to
those which prefer dryer conditions & fresh water.
 Throughout
the year there is a rich variety of birdlife on the estuary which can be viewed
from the platforms along the banks or the wooden hide on the east bank. These
include ducks such as Teal, Widgeon & Shellduck, waders such as Dunlin &
Oyster-catchers and the occasional flash of blue and orange of the Kingfisher. |
devonholidayhomes.com
devonholidayhomes.com
&