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  • Isley Marsh

Isley Marsh

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Address
RSPB Isley Marsh, Barnstaple EX31 3EN
Grid ref
SS490330
What3Words
people.flick.entire

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

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
View on What3Words
RSPB reserves on Google Earth

Contact Isley Marsh

  • RSPB Isley Marsh, Barnstaple EX31 3EN
  • exe.estuary@rspb.org.uk
  • 01392 833311
  • @RSPBExeEstuary
  • Find us on facebook

What will you see?

Seasonal highlights

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter

 

 

 

 

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).

Latest blog posts

  • Crisp wintery mornings, peregrine falcon aerial acrobatics, work party antics and Avocet Cruises

    With the marshes filling up, and the winter species moving in, these cold crisp mornings provide fantastic conditions to be out on the marshes. After desert like conditions all summer long, with cracked mud and yellow grass, the last week’s rain has ...

    Posted 19/10/2018 by Tom A
  • Autumns in the air and were getting ready for the exciting arrivals

    With the evening light shortening and the mornings feeling a little chillier, signs that autumn is approaching are beginning. We are eagerly anticipating the autumn/winter migrants; over the next few weeks and months the marsh should regain its marsh...

    Posted 07/09/2018 by Tom A
  • John O’Groats to Land’s End, Over 900 miles in 10 days, for the RSPB and Ecosystem Impact’s Salur Valley Bird Conservation Programme

    On September the 17th my mum and I are cycling over 900 miles, from John O’Groats to Land’s End, in just 10 days. By doing this cycle ride, we aim to raise money for two incredible causes: the RSPB (UK) and Ecosystem Impact’s Salur Valley Bird Conser...

    Posted 21/08/2018 by Tom A
  • Marsh harriers on the marshes, and why not come play in our discovery area!

    Differing greatly from the high speed predation techniques of hobby’s, peregrines and sparrow hawks, marsh harriers are often seen gently soaring across the skyline and can appear to be flying in slow motion. We have had a marsh harrier hanging aroun...

    Posted 11/08/2018 by Tom A
read our blog

Activities and events

Activities for children and families

For more information on events and to book tickets, please visit events.rspb.org.uk/isleymarsh

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