South East Devon Wildlife is delighted to announce the winners of its Let Birds Be competition, which ran every month from September to November last year, across the Exe Estuary.
The competition encouraged residents and visitors to give overwintering birds the space they need during a vital time of year. Thousands of birds travel up to 3,000 miles to rest and feed at protected sites including Exmouth Duck Pond and Dawlish Warren, making the Exe Estuary one of the most important wintering grounds in the country.
Throughout the competition period, walkers and water users were asked to avoid the two Wildlife Refuges during the critical overwintering season — from 15 September to 31 December at Exmouth Duck Pond and all year round at Dawlish Warren — helping to ensure birds could rest undisturbed after their long migrations.
Cllr Geoff Jung, Chair of the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee and East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment – Operations, said:
I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave our overwintering birds space to rest and feed – especially to those who avoided the Wildlife Refuges on the Exe Estuary at Exmouth Duck Pond and Dawlish Warren.
The refuge at Exmouth has ended for this season, but many wild birds continue to rest in this area, so please avoid any areas where birds are and keep dogs on leads.
Thanks also to everyone who entered the competition, which closed on 30 November 2025. Three lucky winners, chosen at random, were awarded prizes of a Stuart Line guided birdwatching cruise for two.
Jake Stuart, Stuart Line Cruises, said:
We’re really pleased to support the Let Birds Be campaign and to welcome the competition winners on board. The Exe Estuary is a special place for wildlife, and our guided cruises are a great way for people to enjoy it responsibly while learning more about the birds that depend on it.
Meet our winners
Michael said:
I’m really excited to have something that will entertain the kids. I’m also looking forward to spotting curlews with Stuart Line — I often hear them calling from my window when I’m on night shifts, so it will be special to see them properly.
Elaine said:
The River Exe is one of my favourite places for wildlife, so I’m thrilled to be wrapping up and heading out on the Stuart Line guided birdwatching cruise supported by South East Devon Wildlife. I’m especially hoping to see the overwintering avocets — they’re a magical sight in the depth of winter and really make the estuary feel alive.
Sue said:
It was a great surprise to win two tickets for the Stuart Line birdwatching cruise and a bird ID guide. My husband and I are really looking forward to our cruise, and the guide will be so handy as we’re novice birdwatchers. It will be lovely to see what winter brings to the estuary, as we love the local area and enjoy getting out and about.
The Let Birds Be competition is part of South East Devon Wildlife’s ongoing work to encourage responsible visits to nature reserves and coastal habitats. These sites are internationally important for rare and protected species, and small actions — such as keeping dogs under control, sticking to paths, and giving birds space to rest and feed — make a big difference.