Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve facts for kids

A freshwater pond at Dawlish Warren NNR.

The Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve is a very special place for nature in south Devon, England. It's located near the village of Dawlish Warren. This reserve sits on a long, narrow strip of sand called a "sand spit." This sand spit stretches across the mouth of the Exe Estuary. It's protected as a national nature reserve, a Special Protection Area, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's super important for wildlife and habitats.

What Makes Dawlish Warren Special?

Dawlish Warren is a vital spot for many animals and plants. It's like a hotel for birds!

Home for Rare Birds

This nature reserve is a major resting place for many types of birds.

• It's a roosting site for wading birds, which are birds that walk in shallow water.
• Many migratory waterfowl also stop here. These are birds that travel long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.
• Lots of rare "vagrant" birds have been seen here too. These are birds that have wandered far from their usual homes.
• Some of these rare visitors include the elegant tern, lesser crested tern, and long-billed murrelet.
• Other unusual birds spotted are the greater sand plover, semipalmated plover, cream-coloured courser, and great spotted cuckoo.

Unique Plants and Animals

Dawlish Warren is also home to some very rare plants and other creatures.

• The endangered petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii) lives here. This is a type of small plant called a liverwort.
• It's one of only two places in Britain where the sand crocus (Romulea columnae) grows. This is a beautiful, rare flower.
• Some sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) have also been brought back to the reserve. You might be lucky enough to spot one!

Special Habitats

The reserve has a rare type of land called "dune grassland."

• This habitat is very important and is being considered as a "Special Area of Conservation." This means it gets extra protection because it's so unique.
• The nature reserve also includes one of the main tourist beaches in Teignbridge.

Managing the Reserve

Different groups help to look after Dawlish Warren.

• The Teignbridge District Council owns and manages the parts of the reserve closest to the sea. These areas are open for everyone to visit.
• The Devon Wildlife Trust takes care of the "Inner Warren" and the saltmarsh areas. These parts are not open to the public to help protect the sensitive wildlife there.
• The Inner Warren area is actually leased to the Warren Golf Club.

Protecting the Coastline

The sand spit at Dawlish Warren has been slowly worn away by the sea for over a hundred years.

• To protect it, large amounts of "rock armour" have been placed at the lower end. This is basically a wall of big rocks designed to stop the sea from eroding the land.