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Throughout the summer months, there is a programme of entertainment's for the children, with slap stick comedy, concerts and children's parities. The adults can indulge themselves in the pursuit of that elusive bargain at the weekly open air market.
Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve. The nature reserve at Dawlish Warren extends for 500 acres. It is an internationally important habitat for many wild species of plants, insects and birds. The reserve with its 450 different species of plant life, is famous for its collection of orchids and the unique Warren Crocus (Romulea columnae) - only found at this location. The crocus is protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 - Schedule 8.
Eventually the dunes are covered in a dense growth of marram grass. The extensive root system that the grass produces holds the dune in place, and organic matter from the grass's decaying roots and stems increases the fertility of the soil. This makes the environment more favourable for the growth of other plant species. The reserve also has an extensive growth of the small green Salicornia plant. These thrive in the area behind the dunes, beside the golf course. This area of the reserve is the favoured spot of the local ringed plovers. The plovers avoid the shingle embankments as these are used by the larger waders such as the indigenous Oystercatchers. Dawlish Warren and the neighbouring Exe estuary support a large range of bird species - large groups of Widgeon, Bar Tailed Godwit, ducks such as Teal and Mallard, Dark Bellied Brent Geese, Redshank, and Turnstones .
The reserve is an important high tide roost for many of the waders and other seabirds of the area. The incoming tide, encroaches on the feeding grounds forcing the birds onto the spit at the estuary mouth, and once this is covered onto the shingle banks and sands of the warren. If the tides are particularly high, the birds may be forced onto the beaches and the adjacent grasslands. The large numbers of waders and other birds that the food supply and roost sites on the Warren attract, sustain a significant population of predatory species such as the Sparrowhawk and the Peregrine Falcon. There are several waymarked routes for you to follow through this unique habitat, and the Reserve has a Visitor Centre that will provide you with fascinating facts and information about the surrounding area and its wildlife as well as, arranging guided tours of the area for those who require it.
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Tourist
Information Centre
The
Warren itself is a wealth of opportunities for the rambler. Situated
on the coastal path, it stretches from the towns of Dawlish and Teignmouth
in the west along the coast to the Exe estuary towards East Devon, Exeter
and the grounds of Powderham Castle. Powderham castle is the location
of the main Exe estuary heronry, with a growing population of Little
Egrets sharing the roost. The Tall trees in the grounds of the castle
and in the surrounding countryside are believed to act as temporary
perches for Ospreys who use the area as a staging post on their seasonal
migration.. 
Marram
grass (Ammophila arenaria) is the main colonising species on sand dunes.
It is adapted to survive in environments that offer little water. The
roots of these pioneer plants stabilise the sand, making it possible
for other species to move onto the dunes. 
Ragwort
(Senecio jacobaea) is a common plant species in the reserve, providing
a food source for a wide range of insects and in particular, the yellow
and black striped caterpillars of the Cinnabar moth (Callimorpha [Tyria]
jacobaeae). The caterpillars also acquire poison from the ragwort, and
advertise they unpalatable nature by their very obvious colour scheme.
The
Reserve also supports a large migrate bird population. Avocets and Brent
Geese over winter on the reserve along with the indigenous population
of Oystercatchers, Sanderlings and Terns. Copyright © 2003 - Disclaimer