Dark-bellied brent geese are set to arrive in the Exe Estuary this autumn.

They will have travelled more than 3000 miles from Siberia in Russia, where they spent their breeding season.

They reportedly have a two-month window in which to breed and raise their young before the severe climate forces them to migrate south. They typically travel in large groups, sometimes numbering into the hundreds.

Councillor Martin Wrigley, Chair of the South East Devon Habitat Regulation Executive Committee and Teignbridge Executive Member for Communities, Housing and IT, said: "Watching the return of the overwintering birds to the Exe Estuary, seeing them feed and gather on clear blue-sky autumn days, reflected in the glassy water surface, brings a feeling of calm serenity. It's definitely something worth protecting.

"The Exmouth Wildlife Refuge at Exmouth Duck Pond is active between September 15th and December 31st to protect the feeding grounds of birds such as brent geese. The Dawlish Warren wildlife refuge is active all year round.

"The birds' family groups are beginning to arrive, so if you visit in late October on a receding tide, you should see hundreds of them feeding (and squabbling).

"Please watch from a distance and remain outside the wildlife refuge to respect their space and ensure they can feed free of disturbance.

"Dogs are seen as predators by birds, so please keep them away from the foreshore to avoid disturbing them. After such a long journey, it's a simple way to show how welcome they are here."

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