Old Sludge Beds

About

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. 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.

A path with boardwalks runs through the site; you can make a circular walk by returning along the canal bank - allow about 30 minutes in all. The paths are flat and the terrain fairly smooth although there are steps and ramps to negotiate and all the paths are prone to waterlogging.

Continuing along the canal towpath at the motorway end of the reserve provides excellent views of the upper parts of the estuary including the adjacent Exe Reed Beds DWT nature reserve.