Lower Otter Valley

The Otter Estuary nature reserve forms part of the Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve. The Otter estuary reserve is made up of intertidal saltmarsh and mudflat, supporting a range of specialised plants adapted to the ebb and flow of the tide. There are over 5km of footpaths to explore and plenty of viewpoints to pause and enjoy the landscape and watch wildlife.

The estuary was transformed by the recently completed Lower Otter Restoration Project. The project was initiated because the 200-year-old sea defences were starting to fail. The project worked with local people and partner organisations to adapt and enhance the downstream part of the River Otter, its estuary, and its immediate surroundings in the face of a rapidly changing climate and rising sea levels. Following completion of the project, the historic floodplain is now reconnected to the Otter Estuary.

You can start your visit at the Lime Kiln car park in Budleigh Salterton, or the new Otter Estuary car park on South Farm Road. The footpath along the eastern side of the valley takes you along an embankment by the River Otter that dates back to the 18^th century. There is also a footpath along the western side of the valley as far north as Big Bank, but note that this path may flood in places around high tides, or after heavy rain.

Keep a look out for wildfowl, waders and egrets on the saltmarsh.  If you’re really lucky, you might spot a Beaver or Otter on the river too.

For a longer walk, head northwards along the riverside path towards Otterton. If you reach Otterton, you can either return the way you came, or take a longer route eastward to Stantyway Farm (look out for Cirl Buntings!) or Ladram Bay (good for sea ducks & divers in winter), then return along the coast path.

Park in the Lime Kiln car park in Budleigh Salterton (SY073821; EX9 6JD; ///enrolling.laugh.belonged) or the Otter Estuary car park by South Farm Road (SY070829; ///computer.thumb.easily) – car park charges.