RSPB Old Hall Marshes Nature Reserve

Description

Our reserve here comprises extensive grazing marshes with brackish water fleets, reedbeds, saltmarsh and two off-shore islands covering 631 ha (1,560 acres).

In winter 4,000 brent geese feed on the pasture, with small flocks of ruffs and golden plovers. Thousands of wigeons, teals, shelducks, grey plovers, curlews, redshanks and dunlins frequent the marshes. Divers, grebes, goldeneys and occasional seaducks are seen in the estuarine channels. Short-eared owls, hen harriers, barn owls and merlins regularly hunt the reserve.

Breeding species include avocet, lapwing, redshank, pochard, shoveler and bearded tit. During migration, marsh harriers, wheatears, whinchats and waders such as whimbrels, godwits and stints can be seen.

The ancient grassland is characterised by thousands of anthills of the yellow meadow ant. The saltmarsh, seawall and brackish water ditches support many unusual plant assemblages and invertebrate communities. Twenty four species of butterfly have been recorded. Dragonflies include the scarce emerald damselfly and good numbers of ruddy darters.

Our opening times are 9am to 9pm (or dusk if sooner) and entrance to the reserve is free, but donations to help us continue our work here are welcome.

Please request a parking permit in advance by contacting the reserve
About the RSPB
The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. We rely upon memberships and donations to fund our work. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way.

Accessibility
This is a natural site with unimproved paths and trails - the access around this site may not be suitable for all visitors. If you have concerns, please contact us before your visit to discuss your requirements.

How to get here
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kelvedon followed by bus to Tollesbury or cycle.

By Bus: The nearest bus stop is Tollesbury, then walk north along sea wall for approximately two miles.

By Road: From the A12 take the B1023, via Tiptree to Tolleshunt D'Arcy. Turn left at village maypole then right into Chapel Road (back road to Tollesbury). After approx 1 mile (1.6 km), turn left into Old Hall Lane. Continue up Old Hall Lane, over speed ramps and through iron gates to cattle grid, then follow signs straight ahead to car park.

The reserve can also be accessed from the villages of Salcott and Tollesbury on foot via the public footpath network.

For more information about the reserve and what you can do, please call us on the number listed above or click on one of the links to email us or visit our homepage