Devon estuary designated as national nature reserve

The Otter Estuary has joined the network of national nature reserves (NNRs) in a significant extension to a protected area near Exmouth.

Pebblebed Heaths NNR was extended by nearly 90 ha on 16 February, meaning it now includes important wetland habitat on the Otter Estuary.

The Otter Estuary, an important staging area for migrant waders, joins the network of National Nature Reserves (Richard Bayldon).

The announcement is the third in the King's Series of National Nature Reserves, which celebrates the coronation of King Charles III by naming five major NNRs every year for five years.

Led by the Environment Agency, reconnecting the River Otter with its historic floodplain is part of a major climate change adaptation project that will create new wetland habitat and protect nearby dwellings.

Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, said: "This ambitious extension to the national nature reserve will not only enhance the natural environment, making it a better and more joined up place for wildlife to thrive, but also provide opportunities for locals and visitors alike to connect with the natural world, history and the local heritage."

The extended reserve is home to populations of Dartford Warbler and Silver-studded Blue, as well as supporting migrant waders such as Black-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel, and important fish like Atlantic Salmon and European Eel.

With wetlands now forming part of a wider, connected reserve, the NNR will provide a number of ecosystem benefits, including carbon capture and improved water quality, as well as providing a protected home for a wide range of species.

Alan Lovell, from the Environment Agency, said: "Restoring and reconnecting the floodplains has provided multiple benefits for the wading birds which call this landscape home and the people who live locally too, with improved resilience to flooding and new opportunities to connect with the natural world across the national nature reserve."

The nature reserve is well-connected to local settlements, with more than 250,000 people already visiting the Otter Estuary section of the nature reserve every year.

Joining 219 NNRs across England, the Otter Estuary becomes part of 109,000 ha of land protected for nature.