RSPB Stour Estuary Nature Reserve

Description

Enjoy trails up to five miles long as you stroll through a wood and watch wading birds, ducks and geese on the estuary. Shorter paths are wheelchair accessible in dry weather, but all the tracks can be muddy after rain.

Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.

Trails are open at all times, but the car park is locked from 7pm (or dusk, whichever is earlier) until 6am and entrance to the reserve is free, but non-members are invited to make a voluntary donation.

No dogs are allowed in Copperas Wood, or further east. Dogs are also not allowed onto foreshore. Dogs are allowed in Stour Wood and along public rights of way elsewhere
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.
The two picnic tables are not built to disabled standard, but are still suitable for wheelchair access. The woodland trail is accessible during dry periods.

How to get here
By Train: The nearest railway station is Wrabness (within 1 mile/1.5 km). Check connections on National Rail Enquiries website, or phone 08457 484950. The service is operated by National Express East Anglia. Walk up the hill from the station car park onto road, go straight along main road through village and follow the road as it bends left after approximately 70 metres. Follow this road until next right hand bend. At this point, cross an agricultural field using the public footpath (which is a surfaced track). You will see Stour Wood in front of you at this point. To get to the car park, enter the wood and walk straight ahead. After approx 100 metres, turn right at the next T-junction. Continue on this main circular trail until you arrive at the car park/information point.

By Bus: Buses running between Harwich and Colchester, via Manningtree, run past the entrance to the woods daily, hourly service Monday to Saturday. Drivers will stop at the entrance to the woods if it is safe.

By Road: From Manningtree follow the B1352 through Mistley into Bradfield. At the Strangers Home public house, turn left onto Harwich Road (signposted Pamsey, Harwich). Continue on the B1352, turn left to reserve car park at the brown tourist board sign.

From Wrabness follow Station Road and bear right onto Rectory Road. At the crossroads turn left onto the B1352, continue on the B1352, turn left to reserve car park at the brown tourist board sign. The car park has a height restriction barrier of 2 metres. Alternative parking for larger vehicles is by the roadside 50 metres west of the car park.

The B1352 adjacent to the reserve serves as a 'on-road cycle route'.

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