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

See what’s here

Contact Cattawade Marshes