Isley Marsh

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Address
RSPB Isley Marsh, Barnstaple EX31 3EN
Grid ref
SS490330

This area of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats on the Taw & Torridge estuary has become an important haven for ducks (such as teal) and waders (including significant numbers of curlew, greenshank and dunlin). Spoonbills may be spotted during the cold winter months.

Plan your visit

Opening times

Open all year round as it is viewable from the public footpaths.

Entrance charges

Free entrance to RSPB members
Yes
Adults
Free
Children
Free

Facilities

  • No visitor centre
  • Car park off-site
  • Toilets off-site
  • Accessible toilets off-site
  • No Refreshments
  • Shop off-site

Accessibility

How to get here

By bike

The Tarka Trail runs along the south side of the reserve allowing cycle access along the former railway track.

By road

There is no public parking within two miles.

Sat nav POI file: If you have a satellite navigation system that can accept POI files, please see our POI page for a download link and instructions.

Other ways to get there

Visitor access is restricted to public footpaths, mostly outside the reserve itself, but allows expansive views across the estuary and the surrounding farmland.

Get directions from Google Maps
RSPB reserves on Google Earth

What will the weather be like?

11 degrees, Cloudy

Contact Isley Marsh

  • RSPB Isley Marsh, Barnstaple EX31 3EN
  • 01392 833311

What will you see?

Seasonal highlights

 

 

 

 

In winter, it is often possible to see spoonbills.  

About Isley Marsh

Habitat

Isley Marsh is made up of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats on the southern edge of the Taw Torridge estuary. It’s an important haven for undisturbed feeding and resting birds, especially the wintering flocks of ducks (such as teal) and waders (including significant numbers of curlew, greenshank and dunlin). 

Conservation

As Isley Marsh is largely underwater at high tide, no management is carried out and no birds breed. 

Site information

Isley Marsh lies largely within the estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

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