Councils unite to back crucial wildlife sites

A new strategy to protect three of South East Devon’s most important nature reserves—Exe Estuary, East Devon Pebblebed Heaths, and Dawlish Warren—has been approved by all three local councils.

East Devon District Council, Teignbridge District Council, and Exeter City Council have formally signed up to the new South East Devon Wildlife – Joint Habitats Sites Mitigation Strategy 2025–2030, following full approval by each council. Developed by Footprint Ecology, the strategy builds on the previous Strategy 2016-2025. It was developed in partnership with Natural England, the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, the Exe Estuary Management Partnership, Devon Wildlife Trust, RSPB, and others, setting out a framework of mitigation measures funded through developer contributions for new housing developments within 10 km of the protected sites.

These nature reserves carry the highest conservation designations in the UK—Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Ramsar sites—offering crucial protection for a wealth of wildlife. Without action, increased recreational use from new developments could harm the wildlife and habitats these sites were designated to protect.

The Strategy delivers a comprehensive set of measures including:

• Wildlife education and patrols: Wardens guide visitors to reduce their impact.
• Improved facilities: Paths, signs, and parking areas are being upgraded.
• Wildlife refuges: Safe spaces for overwintering birds were created and are being maintained on the Exe Estuary and around Dawlish Warren.
• Ongoing monitoring: Regular checks and updates to ensure the plan stays effective. (southeastdevonwildlife.org.uk)

East Devon, Teignbridge, and Exeter Councils each formally adopted the strategy this year, cementing a cross-boundary commitment to protecting South East Devon’s wildlife.

Cllr Geoff Jung, Chair of South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee and East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment – Operational, said: “This strategy reflects our collective duty to protect South East Devon’s internationally important wildlife — not just for today, but for the benefit of future generations.”

Cllr Gary Taylor, Executive Member for Planning and Building Control, Teignbridge District Council: “By working together, we’re delivering smarter, more effective protection across boundaries and ecosystems.”

Cllr Ruth Williams, Portfolio Holder for City Management, Exeter City Council, said: “We’re proud to be part of this ground-breaking initiative—a true partnership for sustainable development.”