New Partnership Strengthens Conservation Patrols on the Exe Estuary

Wildlife on the Exe Estuary is set to benefit from an exciting new partnership between the South East Devon Wildlife (SEDW) team and the Exeter City Council Harbour Master’s Office.

The collaboration will see the Wildlife Wardens share use of the Harbour Master’s patrol boat, the Exe Harbour Launch, allowing for year-round patrols to protect the internationally important bird populations and habitats of the Exe Estuary.

Until now, the wardens have relied on their much-loved boat Branta Isca, which has served the project faithfully since its launch eight years ago. However, her limitations in stronger winds and rougher conditions have sometimes restricted winter patrols. The new arrangement gives the team access to a more responsive, all-weather RIB, enabling the wardens to monitor the estuary even in challenging conditions.

The partnership also makes more efficient use of local resources. While the Harbour Master’s RIB is primarily active during the summer boating season, the Wildlife Wardens patrol all year round, ensuring the vessel is used effectively throughout the year.

Wildlife Warden Claire Spence said:

“It’s fantastic to be able to share resources and develop a deeper partnership with the Harbour Master’s team. This RIB gives us much greater flexibility to patrol during the winter and continue protecting the birds of the Exe. It’s a great example of local collaboration in action.”

Wildlife Wardens Claire, Sama and Katie have been working closely with Harbour Master Grahame Forshaw and his team, undertaking practical training on boat handling, safety, and navigation. The RIB is fully equipped with life rings, flares, and a safety raft, ensuring wardens and volunteers can patrol safely.

The new vessel also opens up opportunities for trained volunteers to join future patrols. Anyone with a Powerboat Level 2 qualification who would like to support the team is encouraged to get in touch.

Grahame Forshaw, Harbour Master for Exeter Port Authority, Exeter City Council, said:

“We are delighted to share our resource with the SEDW team. The team do sterling work on both sides of the river, and we are happy to help where we can.

"Having a presence out on the water can only be good for all users, and help protect the wildlife.”

In addition to shared training, the Wildlife Wardens were recently invited to the Harbour Master Volunteer Evening, where they gave a talk on the importance of the Exe Estuary for overwintering birds and the impacts of wildlife disturbance. The evening proved to be a valuable opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding and explore future collaboration through joint patrols and shared expertise.

This partnership is currently running as a trial year, with the Wildlife Wardens retaining Branta Isca for the time being. However, early feedback from both teams suggests the collaboration is already improving efficiency and coverage across the estuary — a positive step for conservation and community engagement.

Cllr Geoff Jung, Chair of the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee, said:

“This partnership is a brilliant example of how working together can deliver real benefits for people, wildlife, and the environment. By sharing knowledge and resources, we’re ensuring that the Exe Estuary continues to be a safe haven for its remarkable birdlife while supporting responsible recreation for everyone who enjoys this special place.

“If the trial is successful, we’ll sell Branta Isca and reinvest the proceeds back into our projects delivering more benefits for the environment.”