Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Cattawade Marshes
ManningtreeOpenSee opening timesFollow the footpath along the river and look on as many hundreds of wetland birds flock to the marshes to graze. Ready for a cuppa? Follow the path on to the pretty Flatford hamlet, famous for its landscape and historic paintings by John Constable.
About
Cattawade Marshes is an 88.3 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, which lies between the two arms of the River Stour on the Essex/Suffolk border.
The site is very special and easily disturbed so unfortunately there is no public access to the reserve itself. But the footpath on the south side of the river allows excellent views of the reserve and all its wildlife and leads you on to the historic hamlet of Flatford, the heart of Constable Country.
The grazing marshes at Cattawade are of major importance for the diversity of the breeding bird community. You can watch Oystercatchers, Redshanks and Lapwings here. Come at dawn if you can to enjoy the best views.
It's not only during the spring that the marsh is important, during winter we get around 1,500 Teals and Wigeons with a couple of hundred Lapwing and Dark-bellied Brent Geese thrown in for good measure.
At a glance
Parking is available at Cattawade Picnic Site. Alternative car parking in Manningtree town centre.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Manningtree around a mile away.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Manningtree around a mile away.
There's no public access to the reserve itself but the public footpath on the south side of the river allows excellent views of the reserve.
There's no public access to the reserve itself but the public footpath on the south side of the river allows excellent views of the reserve.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Manningtree around a mile away.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs are not permitted on the reserve itself, but you can walk with your dog along the neighbouring public right of way from Manningtree to Flatford.
Please keep a look out for horses. Keep a short lead and give horses and riders plenty of distance, to make sure your dog, the horses and riders remain safe.
There is no public access to the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Cattawade Marshes
stourestuary@rspb.org.uk Cattawade Marshes, Essex, CO11 2LE 01206 391153