The battle to protect Britain's overwintering birds on the Exe estuary is quiet but persistent - fought not with protest signs or public outcry, but with paddleboards, binoculars, and friendly conversation.
At the heart of this effort are the wildlife wardens of South East Devon Wildlife, whose job is equal parts education, protection, and public engagement. Sama Euridge, a wildlife warden with a calm authority and a clear passion for her work, stands at the Imperial Recreation Ground in Exmouth, pointing towards the open waters behind her.
"Welcome to the internationally renowned Exe Estuary," she says. "The body of water behind us is Exmouth Wildlife Refuge. It's incredibly important for our overwintering birds, which are just starting to return."
Sama describes the arrival of the dark-bellied brent geese with unmistakable enthusiasm. These small, black-and-white geese travel more than 3,000 miles from the Siberian Arctic to winter in this estuary, arriving in tight family groups just as the refuge becomes active each September. Along with wigeon and other wading birds, they rely on the rich eelgrass beds of the Exe to feed and rest, away from the stress of human interference.
The Wildlife Refuges were established seven years ago, specifically to protect these crucial feeding grounds. From 15 September to 31 December, the Exmouth Wildlife Refuge is off-limits to the public, a sanctuary where birds can refuel undisturbed before their long journey back north. But enforcing that boundary is more about education than enforcement -- and that's where Sama and her team come in.
"As a wildlife warden, our role involves encouraging people to connect with nature," Sama explains. "We want people to enjoy these spaces, but we also want to help them understand how important it is to coexist harmoniously with the wildlife."
It's a balancing act that plays out daily on the water. Whether out on paddleboards or manning information stands beside the estuary, the wardens aim to raise awareness, not raise their voices. Signs mark the boundaries of the refuges, but the real work lies in helping visitors see the invisible lines -- not just where the refuge begins, but what's at stake if it's crossed.
Claire Spence, another wildlife warden, radiates a gentle but clear determination. New to the role, having started earlier this year, Claire has already become a familiar face along the estuary paths.
"I feel so blessed to be a wildlife warden," she says. "Getting to be outside, talking to people, it's one of the best jobs ever. My background's in conservation, so being able to share what I've learned, to help people understand how important these wild spaces are, it's just amazing."
One of the key messages Claire and Sama focus on is disturbance -- the often overlooked impact of human presence on bird behaviour. While it might not seem disruptive to walk a dog along the shoreline or paddle into a quiet bay, to the birds, it can mean the difference between survival and starvation.
"Disturbance is when you see a change in an animal's behaviour," Claire explains. "A bird might be resting, and then it starts looking at you -- or worse, the whole flock flies up. That might happen multiple times an hour. And if they're constantly disturbed, they don't have time to feed or rest. That affects not just individual birds, but entire populations."
The visible effects of disturbance are already becoming apparent. Sama cites long-term monitoring data from the British Trust for Ornithology and Wetland Birds Survey volunteers, showing a decline in many wading bird populations. The oystercatcher, a familiar sight on the estuary's mudflats, has declined by nearly two-thirds. These are not abstract numbers -- they're lived realities for the wardens who count birds, patrol the waters, and watch as once-common species become increasingly scarce.
"We're really lucky," Sama says, "because we've got monitoring data going back to the 1970s. That gives us a clear picture. And it shows us that almost all our wading birds are in decline."
The Exe Estuary is one of the few places in the country where you can witness large flocks of wintering birds from the comfort of a public path. The refuge is so close to the walkway that, as Claire puts it, "you can see the birds without even needing binoculars, which is absolutely crazy."
And for those who want a closer look, the wardens regularly set up pop-up gazebos along the path, complete with binoculars, scopes, and educational materials. Visitors can stop and chat, learn about the species they're seeing, and get a deeper appreciation of the delicate ecological web they're witnessing.
"We always encourage people to read the signs when visiting a new site," Claire adds. "There's so much wildlife to see around us -- not just here. There's Dawlish Countryside Park, the brand new Ridgetop near Exeter. We just want people to explore responsibly."
But protection doesn't end at the shoreline. Out on the water, the team conducts boat patrols, keeping an eye on both birdlife and human activity. Dawlish Warren Wildlife Refuge, unlike Exmouth's, is active year-round, providing the only high-tide roosting area in the lower estuary.
As Claire explains, this is a critical refuge when the tide is in: "When it's high tide, like it is now, birds can't feed. So they need somewhere safe to rest. That's what this area is for. And right now, there's a big group of oystercatchers -- definitely over a hundred -- doing exactly what they should be doing. Resting."
These moments of success are vital, not just for the birds, but for the morale of the team working so hard to protect them.
Geoff Jung, East Devon councillor and portfolio holder for environment operations, acknowledges the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making this delicate ecosystem function.
"There's a lot of work in preparing for this," Geoff says. "Getting the designated areas sorted, all the paperwork, and then having officers out on or beside the estuary during the season."
His words reinforce a key theme of the estuary's management: cooperation. Despite the legal framework, much of what works on the Exe is done voluntarily -- with signage, education, and respect guiding visitors rather than heavy enforcement.
"We've got to protect the wildlife," Geoff adds. "There's an increasing population, and with that, more potential damage. It's about finding a balance -- protecting the wildlife and providing access for people. And right now, that balance is working really well."
Volunteers are crucial to this success, supporting wardens and providing boots on the ground. Geoff encourages locals to get involved, not just to protect their environment, but to better understand and appreciate the treasure on their doorstep.
"I don't think local residents appreciate it enough," he admits. "We go on holiday to visit beautiful places, but when we're at home, we tend not to. And yet Exmouth is a wonderful location, and the Exe Estuary is really beautiful."
To raise awareness further, the wardens have even launched a monthly competition, giving away tickets for a Sturt Line birdwatching cruise. It's a simple incentive with a deeper purpose: to encourage more people to understand the importance of keeping the refuges undisturbed.
"This is an incredibly important area for overwintering birds," says Sama. "We really want people to remain out of the refuges and give birds the space to rest and feed. And as a special thank you from us, why not enter the competition?"
The message is consistent, whether it comes from the wardens, a councillor, or a competition flyer: give nature the room it needs, and it will thrive.
But the real success lies not just in preserving bird numbers -- it's in shifting public perception. In turning casual dog walkers into keen bird spotters. In transforming a quiet stretch of Devon shoreline into a living, breathing classroom where conservation is no longer a concept, but an everyday act.
Out on the estuary, the brent geese glide across the surface of the water, undisturbed. It's a small victory, but a hard-won one -- earned by those who know the value of silence, the power of understanding, and the importance of sharing a space not just with nature, but for it.