10 Apr 2025

The Countryside Team is delighted to be partnering with Michael Caines at Lympstone Manor to offer a 'Spring Nature Walk and Lunch'.

The Exe Estuary is one of Europe’s most important wetlands for wildlife, nationally designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and internationally recognised as a vital habitat for birds.

On Wednesday 23 April, Countryside Manager James Chubb will lead a morning of birdwatching starting from Lympstone Manor, offering participants the chance to explore the estuary during the busy period of spring migration.

After the morning walk, guests will enjoy a three-course lunch at the Pool House Restaurant, accompanied by a glass of Lympstone Manor Estate Classic Cuvée, followed by a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic alternative.

With spring migration in full swing, the estuary's rich mudflats are alive with feeding bird flocks. Resident species such as oystercatchers and little egrets share the habitat with migratory visitors like ospreys and dunlins.

Aimed at novice to intermediate bird watchers, James will provide guidance on how to identify waders and wildfowl, while describing the amazing journeys some of these birds make each year.

Please bring binoculars if you have them, though a selection of optics will be available to borrow on the day.

Spring Nature Walk and Lunch with James Chubb

  • 10.00am Tea and coffee on arrival
  • 10.30am Guided birdwatching walk on the Exe Estuary
  • 12 noon Take your seat at the Pool House Restaurant with a welcome glass of Lympstone Manor Estate Classic Cuvée
  • 12.30pm Three-course lunch served, with a glass of wine or non-alcoholic option, followed by coffee
  • 03.30pm Event close

Please dress appropriately for the weather, including sturdy walking shoes or boots. The walk will last around 90 minutes with stops. The route may be uneven and muddy in places, so may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Unfortunately, this tour is not fully wheelchair accessible, and dogs are not permitted.

For any accessibility queries, please contact the Lympstone Manor Reservation Team.

We look forward to welcoming you to this unique experience at Lympstone Manor.

 

 

James Chubb Bio

James began his career as an Education Ranger with the East Devon District Council Countryside Team, working closely with schools and community groups to inspire a love for local wildlife and wild places. He is now Countryside Manager for the team. James also writes a monthly wildlife column for Devon Life, hosts Bear Grylls’ Gone Wild festivals in Devon and Norfolk, and is the voice of English Rugby as stadium announcer at Twickenham.

 

Michael Caines Bio

Michael Caines MBE, chef/patron of Lympstone Manor, is one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs. He held two Michelin stars for 18 consecutive years and was awarded a Michelin star at Lympstone Manor just six months after its opening. Known for his distinctive ‘Terroir Cuisine’, Michael champions the finest local and regional ingredients.

A familiar face on television, Michael has appeared on Saturday Kitchen, MasterChef, Sunday Brunch, The Great British Menu, and more. He has cooked for the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street, received an MBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry, and was named AA Chef’s Chef of the Year in 2007.

Book your place on the upcoming event: Spring Nature Walk and Lunch with James Chubb | Lympstone Manor