The Exe Estuary is internationally important for birds, and Topsham sits at the heart of it. The RSPB Bowling Green Marsh reserve is a five-minute walk from Route 2 — a freshwater marsh and lagoon overlooking the river, with a hide and viewing platform that get busy with binoculars from autumn through to spring.
In winter the estuary fills with brent geese, wigeon, pintail and teal, and the mudflats at low tide are alive with avocets, black-tailed godwits, dunlin and curlew. Spring and summer bring lapwing, redshank and the occasional spoonbill or osprey passing through. Look up and you’ll often catch peregrines hunting over the marsh.
Across the river, the RSPB’s Exminster and Powderham Marshes reserve covers the western shore and is reachable on foot via the ferry from Topsham quay, or by bike along the Exe Estuary Trail. Pack a flask. The hides are quiet places to spend a morning.