Join local Countryside Manager James Chubb for a guided morning of birdwatching on the internationally renowned Exe Estuary, followed by a relaxed three-course lunch in our Pool House restaurant, complete with a glass of Lympstone Manor Estate Classic Cuvée and a glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative.
Winter migration transforms the estuary into a thriving mosaic of movement and sound. The rich mudflats attract dense feeding flocks, where resident birds such as oystercatchers and little egrets mix with winter visitors returning from Arctic breeding grounds. Our nature walk last year recorded an exceptional diversity of species, with large flocks of wigeon, teal, godwits and brent geese creating moments of breath-taking spectacle as they rise together over the water.
Among the highlights in recent seasons have been elegant pintail ducks and the occasional dramatic interruption from birds of prey, a reminder that the estuary is not only a resting place, but a dynamic, living ecosystem.
Ideal for novice to intermediate birdwatchers, the walk offers expert guidance on identifying waders and wildfowl, alongside engaging insights into the extraordinary journeys these birds undertake each year.
Please bring binoculars if you have them, although a selection of optics will be available to use for the event.
Winter Nature Walk and Lunch with James Chubb
10.00am Tea and coffee on arrival
10.30am Morning of birdwatching on the Exe estuary
12 noon Take your seats in the Pool House Restaurant for your lunch experience with a glass of Lympstone Manor Estate Classic Cuvée
12.30pm Lunch served with a glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative and coffee after lunch.
15.30pm Event close
This event will commence at 10.00am with tea and coffee on arrival for an informative Winter Nature Walk and Lunch event with James Chubb.
Lunch will be held in our Pool House Restaurant and Bar and James will be joining the table to discuss the mornings activities.
The weather may be changeable so please dress appropriately including good walking shoes or boots.
The walk will take around an hour and a half including stops. The route can be uneven and muddy so people with limited mobility may struggle and this tour is not fully wheelchair friendly. No dogs allowed on this guided walk. Please ask our Reservation Team if you have any questions regarding accessibility for this event.
We look forward to welcoming you to Lympstone Manor.
James Chubb Bio
James’ background includes Education Ranger at Wild East Devon, working with local schools and group to enthuse them with the fabulous wildlife and wild places in the District. James writes a monthly wildlife column in Devon Life magazine, hosts Bear Grylls’ Gone Wild festivals in Devon and Norfolk and is the voice of English Rugby as stadium announcer at Twickenham.
Find out more about Wild East Devon.
Prepayment required on booking to make a confirmed reservation.
Event is non-amendable, non-refundable.
