East Devon District Council has asked the public to stay away from wildlife refuges on the Exe Estuary amid the arrival of brent geese.

The geese migrate to this area of Devon from the northern Arctic every year for the winter.

People are asked to keep away from the Exmouth Local Nature Reserve from 15 September to 31 December, and Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve all year round to protect wildlife.

The Imperial Recreation Ground slipway in Exmouth can still be used to access the foreshore during this time - but everyone is being asked to turn left at the end of the slipway to avoid the wildlife refuge.

Councillor Geoff Jung said: "The chance to see vast numbers of overwintering and migrating birds is one of the joys of visiting the Exe Estuary in the autumn.

"Our Wildlife Wardens will be near the Duckpond with their telescope for you to see the birds up-close for yourselves!

"Please help us help the birds again this year as they return to their winter home - respect the Wildlife Refuges to avoid disturbing the birds at this important time."

The wildlife refuges are marked with yellow buoys with "WR" in black letters printed on them.