1. Background to the Exe

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1 1. Background to the Exe Image 1a: Aerial view of the Exe Estuary Source: Exe Estuary Management Partnership The Exe Estuary encompasses over 3,000 hectares of diverse aquatic and terrestrial habitats. It is designated as an estuary of international importance for nature conservation. Protected from the open sea by the sand spits of Warren and Pole Sands, the Estuary is naturally an ideal environment in which wild birds can feed and breed. These physical characteristics also make it a perfect open space for shellfish cultivation, tourism and a wide range of recreational activities. This report describes the Exe catchment area, investigates its value as a resource for Devon, and explores the trends over time. The resulting collection of facts and figures will contribute to our understanding of the condition of the Exe and inform its future management. Figure 1a is a map of the Exe Estuary. Geology of the Exe Catchment Figure 1b illustrates the different types of geology found within the Exe Estuary catchment. In the upper catchment the geology is predominantly Devonian siltstones and sandstones ( million years old). The carboniferous rocks ( million years old) in the west of the catchment are typically mudstones altered to low grade shales. The end of the Triassic Period (195 million years ago) was marked by a marine incursion which flooded small areas of the south eastern part of Devon with a shallow sea in which a succession of limestone and shales were deposited. These deposits are known as the Jurassic Beds. The majority of soil types are well-drained, fine loams. Exmoor is characterised by low permeability peaty soils and the central catchment demonstrates loamy subsoils over clay subsoil, which are generally slowly permeable (Environment Agency, 2003). River erosion during the Quaternary Period (10 million years ago) gradually created much of the present day landscape of Devon. The rises in sea levels that occurred with the melting of great ice sheets caused many of Devon s river valleys to be drowned by the sea, creating the estuaries of the Dart, Taw and Torridge, and the Exe (Devon County Council, 2004). Geology and soil type are important determinants of erosion levels, sediment dynamics and siltation. The different geological environments provide the basis for a variety of habitats which support a wide range of species within the Exe catchment. 1

2 Overview: The Exe Catchment Exeter Clyst St Mary D e v on Exminster Topsham Ebford Exton Key Area of interest (on main map) Catchment of the River Exe County Boundaries Kennford Kenn The Exe Estuary Lympstone Barracks Lympstone Kenton Starcross Exmouth Cockwood Warren The English Channel Kilometers Key Settlements Land Inter Tidal zone Tidal Water Figure 1a: The Exe Estuary Source: DCC 2006 and OS 2006 Crown copyright. All rights reserved

3 Geological Formation Eocene: Flint Gravels Lower Cretaceous: Upper Greensand and Gault Clay Jurassic: Lower Liassic Shales and Limestones Triassic: Budleigh Salterton Pebble Beds South Molton Taunton Triassic: Sandstones Triassic: Mudstones Wellington Permian: Breccias, Sandstones and Mudstones Upper Carboniferous: Sandstones and Slates Tiverton Cullompton Lower Carboniferous: Limestones Upper to Middle Devonian: Slates, Grits and Sandstones Middle to Lower Devonian: Slates and Grits Crediton Exeter Honiton Ottery St.Mary Topsham Sidmouth Budleigh Salterton Exmouth Key Kingsteignton Teignmouth Exe Estuary Partnership Management Boundary Catchment of River Exe Location of Settlement Land Water Kilometers Figure 1b: Geology of the Exe catchment Source: DCC 2006 and OS 2006 background mapping. EA 2003 data. Crown copyright. All rights reserved

4 1.1 Ownership The Exe Estuary has four fundus owners; the Crown Estate, Lympstone Harbour Board, Manor of Kenton and East Devon District Council. Figure 1c shows the extent of fundus ownership on the Exe Estuary. 1.2 Population The population of the Exe catchment area has increased considerably between 1981 and 2001, from around to people approximately a 15% increase (Office of National Statistics, 2002). The consequent pressures on the natural and human resources are considerable and require careful management in order to avoid degrading the environment on which we rely. Figure 1e shows population growth in the vicinity of the Exe Estuary between 1801 and

5 Exeter Clyst St Mary Exminster Topsham Ebford Kennford Kenn Exton Lympstone Barracks Lympstone Woodbury Kenton Starcross Exmouth Cockwood Warren Key Settlements Land Water Exe Estuary Partnership Management Boundary Freeholder Crown Estate East Devon District Council* Kilometers Lympstone Fishery and Harbour Association* Manor of Kenton** *Approximate boundary derived from map of Crown Estate interests held by DCC **As above with additional reference to a map from Deed of Compromise 21/03/1997 supplied by the Powderham Estate Figure 1c: Freeholds on the fundus of the Exe Estuary Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Source: DCC 2006 and OS 2006 background mapping. CE 2006 and PE 2006 data

6 South Molton Taunton Wellington Tiverton Cullompton North Tawton Crediton Honiton Ottery St.Mary Exeter Topsham Sidmouth Budleigh Salterton Exmouth Key Kingsteignton Exe Estuary Partnership Management Boundary Catchment of River Exe Location of Settlement Land Water Teignmouth Population density 20 to 30 people/hectare 10 to 20 people/hectare 5 to 10 people/hectare 1 to 5 people/hectare Less than 1person/hectare Kilometers Figure 1d: Population density within the Exe Catchment Source: DCC 2006 and OS 2006 background mapping. NC 2001 data. Crown copyright. All rights reserved

7 7RWDOSRSXODWLRQ ([HWHU 3DULVK Figure 1e: Population growth in the vicinity of the Exe Estuary ( ) Source: NC 2001 ([PRXWK 'DZOLVK 7

8 1.3 Social and Economic Backgrounm Image 1b: Towards Exeter Quay Source: Exe Estuary Management Partnership Image 1c: Exmouth Marina Source: Exe Estuary Management Partnership Image 1d: M5 Motorway crossing the Exe Source: Exe Estuary Management Partnership Human Settlement Migration trends show an average increase in the number of people living in the areas surrounding the Exe Estuary. As the population of Devon increases, the demand for property continues to grow and coastal and waterside properties are in high demand. In % of Devon s population lived in coastal wards. A local example of this tendency towards coastal and waterside properties is the Estuary-side village of Exton, whose population has increased thirteen fold since 1801(see Figure 1f). Between 1983 and 2003 average house prices in the districts surrounding the Exe Estuary have increased more than six fold (Nationwide Building Society & Land Registry, 2003). 8

9 Overview: The EEMP area Key Area of interest (on overview map) Land Tidal Water Exe Estuary Partnership Management Boundary Approximate extent of Exton Buildings in Exton Figure 1f: Development in Exton Source: DCC 2006, OS 2006 and LM Buildings in Exton Kilometer Crown copyright. All rights reserved

10 $YHUDJHKRXVHSULFHVRI ([HWHU (DVW'HYRQ 7HLJQEULGJH Figure 1g: House prices in districts adjacent to the Exe Estuary Source: LR and N 1997 ( data), LR and DCC 2005 ( data). Crown copyright 2005 <HDU Index of Multiple Deprivation The Index of Multiple Deprivation (ODPM, 2004) is a measure which combines data on deprivation in 6 domains ; education, employment, income, health, housing and accessibility. Scores are ranked to show the relative degree of deprivation of any ward in England. The higher the score, the more deprived the area is. As a county, Devon has a level of deprivation which is higher than the national average. However, Teignbridge, Mid Devon, West Devon, and East Devon all have a level of deprivation which is slightly lower than the national average. Exeter and North Devon are notable as having a relatively high level of deprivation. The specific areas within the Exe Estuary boundary that have deprivation levels which are higher than the national average are Exmouth and (see Figure 1h). 10

11 Exeter Clyst St Mary Exminster Topsham Ebford Exton Woodbury Kennford Kenn The Exe Estuary Lympstone Barracks Lympstone Kenton Starcross Exmouth Cockwood Warren Key Exe Estuary Partnership Management Boundary Inter Tidal Zone Tidal Water The English Channel Index of Multiple Deprivation Kilometers Numbers indicate IMD rank within Devon Figure 1h: Relative deprivation in the vicinity of the Exe Estuary Source: DCC 2006 and OS 2006 background mapping. ODPM 2004 data Crown copyright. All rights reserved

12 Employment The 2001 census shows that employment in the districts bordering the Exe Estuary is dominated by work in the wholesale and retail sector, health and financial services (Office of National Statistics, 2002). The Met Office based in Exeter is also a major employer in the region. :KROHVDOHDQGUHWDLOWUDGH +HDOWKDQGVRFLDOZRUN 0DQXIDFWXULQJ 5HDOHVWDWHUHQWLQJDQGEXVLQHVVDFWLYLWLHV &RQVWUXFWLRQ (GXFDWLRQ 6HFWRURILQGXVWU\ 3XEOLFDGPLQLVWUDWLRQDQGGHIHQFH +RWHOVDQGFDWHULQJ 7UDQVSRUWVWRUDJHDQGFRPPXQLFDWLRQ 2WKHU $JULFXOWXUHKXQWLQJDQGIRUHVWU\ )LQDQFLDOLQWHUPHGLDWLRQ (OHFWULFLW\JDVDQGZDWHUVXSSO\ 0LQLQJDQGTXDUU\LQJ )LVKLQJ 7HLJQEULGJH ([HWHU (DVW'HYRQ 3HUFHQWDJHRIWRWDOHPSOR\PHQWZLWKLQGLVWULFW Figure 1i: Range of economic activities in the vicinity of the Exe Estuary Source: NC Crown copyright

13 access points. Tel: This leaflet is funded by: TEIGNBRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL Background to the Exe 1.4 Managing the Exe Estuary Managing the Exe Estuary is an essential part of ensuring its sustainable development and use. Management is a complex process which has to balance European and national legislation with local byelaws and other competing priorities. With three local authorities bordering the Exe Estuary the need for a co-ordinating management body is essential to promote an efficient, integrated approach. The Exe Estuary Management Partnership Management of the Exe Estuary is based upon the principle of voluntary co-ordination between the different interests involved. The Exe Estuary Management Partnership exists to provide a framework allowing the integration of these interests and responsibilities to achieve common objectives. This means that, whilst the Partnership has no statutory controls, it provides a contact point to encourage co-operation between the authorities and agencies with legal powers and duties for the Estuary (Devon County Council, Devon Sea Fisheries Committee, East Devon District Council, English Nature, Environment Agency, Exeter City Council, Exmouth Town Council, and Teignbridge District Council). This encourages better use and development of the existing resources and more effective management by statutory and non-statutory bodies. The Partnership also provides opportunities for the local community to contribute to the decision making required to safeguard the Estuary. It keeps the public informed through regular newsletters, publications, information boards, meetings, events and maintenance of an interactive website with up to date information on estuary-related issues. DOING YOUR BIT FOR THE EXE The Exe Estuary is a very valuable area, used by a huge variety of locals and visitors. It is also an internationally important wildlife site which needs protection, as recognised in British and European law. Estuaries provide vitally important habitat for migrating birds and other wildlife which are threatened worldwide. Please help us to protect sensitive habitats around the estuary, by taking care to avoid disturbance to wildlife and respecting the environment at all times. The Exe Estuary Shore Code provides guidance for your own safety and the safety of wildlife. Further information is available from the Exe Estuary Management Partnership. EXE ESTUARY SHORE CODE BE SAFE Don't put yourself or others at risk. Be aware of the dangers from rising tides, soft mud, cliff edges and strong currents. FISH WISELY Avoid waste. Only take bait for planned trips, don't discard tackle and return unwanted fish to the sea. PREVENT LITTER Bin litter or take it home. OBSERVE ESTUARY BYELAWS & WARNING SIGNS Check information at access points. BE CONSIDERATE TO OTHER ESTUARY USERS Always keep pets under control and don't block Travelling to the Exe Estuary The area is well served by bus and train routes calling at towns and villages between Exeter, Exmouth and.the Exe is also within easy reach of the larger resorts of Teignmouth and Torbay. For information about bus and rail services contact: Traveline: Devon Bus Enquiry Line: or Website: National Rail Enquiry Line: Many of the walks shown in this leaflet link into a County-wide network. For more information contact Devon County Council Information Service (Tel: ) or visit your local Tourist Information Centre. For information about Exeter and Topsham, please contact Exeter City Council. Exe Estuary Management Partnership Environment Directorate, Lucombe House, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QW Tel: (01392) Fax: (01392) exeestua@devon.gov.uk No part of this leaflet is to be reproduced without the approval of the Exe Estuary Management Partnership. PROTECT AND AVOID DISTURBING WILDLIFE Enjoy watching the wildlife but keep your distance, especially from birds gathering at high water. For reporting pollution to watercourses, flooding, fly tipping of industrial wastes and illegal fishing please call the Environment Agency Emergency Hotline Walks around the Estuary Image 1e: Collection of Exe Estuary Management Partnership publications Source: Exe Estuary Management Partnership 13

14 The Statutory Bodies on the Exe Estuary The Devon Sea Fisheries Committee work to protect local fish stocks and environmental features, and are responsible for integrating fisheries management with the legal requirements of areas designated for conservation or protection. English Nature is the Government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England. It also manages conservation designation and monitors the quality of designated sites. The Environment Agency is the public body responsible for protecting and improving the natural environment in England and Wales. Their remit covers maintaining or improving water quality, controlling environmental pollution, and managing flooding and defences. There are five Local Authorities involved in managing the Exe Estuary. Devon County Council has responsibility for transport, public rights of way, social care, spatial planning, education, emergency planning and economic development at a County level. East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council, Exmouth Town Council and Teignbridge District Council are all responsible for the creation and enforcement of byelaws and are the local planning authorities to the Mean Low Water Mark of the Estuary. A number of the Local Authorities own land around the Exe and have a remit to manage the public open spaces and recreation and access facilities. The Exe Estuary Partnership and the Local Community Through the Exe Estuary Partnership, the local community has the opportunity to comment on management decisions. Throughout 2005 members of the Partnership and users of the Exe Estuary were invited to share their views on the current and future management of the Exe. The 45 responses revealed that the most popular aspects of the Exe are its beautiful natural landscape, the wide variety of wildlife (including the birdlife), and the opportunities for fishing, shellfish and crab collection. The issue that caused the most concern was the loss of local character through over-development of the Estuary. This is followed by concerns over environmental degradation and pollution (including rubbish), and fear that the existing high level of recreational use could be detrimental. Although the survey raised some interesting issues the Partnership is currently investigating ways to increase public participation in managing the Estuary. 14

15 Number of people expressing this opinion Natural landscape Variety of wildlife Birdlife Fishing, shellfish and crab collection Boats, boating and sailing Peace and tranquility Diversity of users Cycling and walking Harbour and moorings warren and other nature reserves Swimming and watersports Access to open sea The whole Estuary Water quality Figure 1j: Respondents favourite aspect of the Exe Estuary Source: EEMP 2005 Number of people expressing this opinion Over-development of Estuary and Exmouth, loss of local character. Environmental degradation, pollution and rubbish Unsustainably high level of recreational use Introduction of charging schemes Powerboat and jetski users. Excessive focus on/ excessive management of nature Over regulation of users Disturbance of birds Poor representation of the full range of users within the management of the Estuary Uncertain future for management of the Estuary Silting up of channel Inconsiderate kite flying Lack of footpaths between Exeter and Lympstone Mussel dredging Rock-tipping at Exmouth Figure 1k: Respondents concerns for the Exe Estuary Source: EEMP

16 Number of people expressing this opinion Increase the number and quality of docks, moorings and slipways Regulate the use of high speed water vehicles, reduce the danger they present to other water users. Improve and extend the network of footpaths and cycle paths Increase the number of visitor facilities Increase the degree and reach of community involvement in the management of the Estuary Improve water quality/ reduce pollution Keep Estuary 'as it is' Increase both the degree and efficacy of wildlife protection Increased regulation and control of recreational activities Reduce level of management activity and interference Clean up the shoreline Dredge the channel Figure 1l: Respondents suggestions for improvements to the current management of the Exe Estuary Source: EEMP 2005 Management Boundaries The Exe Estuary Partnership defines its spatial management boundary as extending to the 5 metre contour line. This boundary encompasses the area which is most directly influenced by Estuary activities. However, not all available data keep to this specific spatial boundary. Much of the socio-economic data is recorded at electoral ward and parish level. Alternatively, much of the environmental information is recorded to the wider catchment area. The hydrological catchment boundary is a vast area covering some 1530km 2 and any water that drains from this land will influence the health of the River and Estuary further downstream. When managing the Exe Estuary the effects of activities upstream and their potential influence on the lower catchment must be considered. The Cycleau Project ( ) encouraged managers to look at the influence of the entire catchment in line with new legislation, the EU Water Framework Directive, which will require a River Basin Management Plan for the Exe to be completed by The Exe Catchment Profile report (Exe Estuary Management Partnership, 2004) highlights some of these activities and collects facts and figures within the whole of the Exe hydrological catchment. 16

17 Overview: The Exe Catchment Exeter Clyst St Mary D e v on Exminster Topsham Ebford Exton Kennford Kenn The Exe Estuary Key Area of interest (on main map) Catchment of the River Exe County Boundaries Lympstone Barracks Lympstone Kenton Starcross Exmouth Cockwood Warren The English Channel Key Settlements Land Inter Tidal zone Tidal Water Exe Estuary Partnership Management Boundary Figure 1m:Area managed by the Exe Estuary Partnership Source: DCC 2006 and OS Kilometers Crown copyright. All rights reserved

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