Reclaim The Night – Otter Estuary Nature Reserve

Join the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust and Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club to celebrate the right of women, girls and those who identify as female to walk freely, safely, and joyfully in nature at any time of day or night.

For many women, the shorter days of winter create an unspoken curfew, limiting access to the outdoors and the many physical and mental health benefits that time in nature can bring. Together, we can help remove those barriers and light the way towards a countryside where everyone feels safe, welcome, and free to enjoy nature – day or night.

While Reclaim the Night focuses on women’s experiences of safety and freedom in the countryside, everyone is invited to join us. Ending the winter curfew experienced by women and girls will take all of us to raise awareness and create a countryside where everyone feels safe and free. Come along, show your support, and help us light the way.

The evening will begin at Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club with a performance from Budleigh Salterton Women’s Choir before participants set off on an approximately 3km lantern-lit walk around the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve and will end at the club where drinks and light refreshments will be available.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday 13th November 2026
• Time: 18:00-19:30
• Location: The Holt, Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club, EX9 7BA
  W3W: difficult.glad.seashell
  Grid Reference: SY 07019 83134
• Parking: Group drop-off and limited free parking are available at the cricket club, with priority given to those with accessibility needs. Additional parking is available at Otter Estuary, South Farm Road Car Park (winter charges apply). Please car share where possible.

Know before you go…

The walk will be approximately 3km on level paths, with one moderate ascent and descent between the estuary and the cricket club. Suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.

If you wish to discuss on-site accessibility please contact [email protected]. For those with accessibility needs who are unable to join the walk, you are invited to enjoy refreshments at The Holt and watch the walk from the comfort of the balcony.

Bring a non-flaming lantern or torch and all your female friends and family.

Assistance and support dogs are permitted but as the venue and paths may be busy in places, other dogs are discouraged for their comfort and the safety of all participants.

This event is subject to weather conditions. Due to the predicted effects of El Nino this winter, we are remaining vigilant for weather changes in the lead up to the event. Please keep an eye on this webpage and our social media for any event updates/cancellations.

What is our Reclaim The Night?

The Reclaim the Night movement began more than 40 years ago and, in towns and cities across the country, promotes women’s right to access public spaces safely, without fear or discrimination.

Last year our Reclaim the Night event was the first to be held on a nature reserve. As an organisation that provides and promotes access to the countryside, we are committed to ensuring that access to nature is equitable. However, national data suggests that:

• Men visit green spaces more often than women.
• A lack of physical safety or fear of harm prevents 26% of women in the UK from enjoying nature, compared with just 9% of men.
• Some women find natural spaces inaccessible or less enjoyable because of concerns about personal safety, harassment, hate crime, discrimination, or physical harm.
• Women remain underrepresented in physical activity.
• Women are less physically active than men and are therefore at a greater risk of experiencing poor mental wellbeing.

Our Reclaim the Night event will be a lively gathering, followed by a peaceful walk appropriate for a sensitive wildlife site. This year we are excited to be partnering with Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club who actively champion women and girls’ access to sport through rapidly expanding opportunities, dedicated facilities, and high-profile partnerships. The club prioritizes inclusivity and gender equality and has established itself as a leading hub for female cricket in the South West.

This event is organised by the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust which is supported through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Thanks to National Lottery Players