Home » UK & Ireland Wildlife » South West » Devon » The Old Sludge Beds

View location on map

The Old Sludge Beds

Until the construction of new treatment works in 1969 the Sludge Beds were the final breakdown site for treated sewage. However when the new works were opened they were abandoned and gradually developed a cover of wetland vegetation. Today active management helps to maintain the area as reed beds that are home to a wide variety of wetland birds. DWT has held the Old Sludge Beds reserve on licence from South West Water since 1979. Highlights: The reserve has become a major stop-off point and feeding area for migrating birds and there are many breeding species including Cetti’s warbler, an uncommon breeding bird in Britain. Harvest mice are known to breed on the site, and the habitat is ideal for aquatic invertebrates.

Location: This reserve, part of the Exe Estuary SSSI, is sandwiched between the river Exe and the Exeter ship canal and just upstream from the M5 motorway flyover.

From the Countess Wear roundabout (on the Exeter-Topsham road) take the A379 towards Dawlish. After 600m (0.4 miles) you pass over the Exe, turn immediately left into the South West Water sewage treatment works entrance and park on the right in the University boathouse car park. Walk along the canal past the sewage works, turning immediately left at the far end. The reserve entrance lies on the right.

Grid reference: SX 952 888

These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.