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  • Matford Marshes

Matford Marshes

In line with Government guidance on essential, daily exercise outdoors, our trails are open. We urge you to follow the legislation around non-essential travel and please visit your most local nature reserves and green spaces only. Please observe current guidelines on social distancing, face coverings, group sizes, hygiene and follow all signage on-site. See our Covid-19 updates page for the latest safety information (link below). Thank you for your support and understanding.
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Address
RSPB Matford Marshes, Dawlish Rd, Matford, Exeter EX2 8XR
Grid ref
SX937890
See our reserves Covid-19 updates page for which sites are open and other important details.

This small site, located halfway between Exeter and Exminster, is an excellent vantage point for watching wildfowl and waders. Cyclists, walkers and joggers regularly use the track which leads to it, sharing this quiet reserve with green and common sandpipers, mallards and mute swans.

Plan your visit

Opening times

Open at all times.

Entrance charges

Free entrance to RSPB members
Yes
Adults
Free, but donations are very welcome.
Children
Free, but donations are very welcome.

Facilities

  • Pushchair friendly
  • Guided walks
  • Viewing point
  • Nature trails

Accessibility

How to get here

By train

Exeter Central or Exeter St Davids stations are 3 miles away. Finish the journey from Exeter bus station on the Number 2 Exeter-Teignmouth bus.

By bus

The closest stop is known as Matford Farm and is near the A379 roundabout and on the A379 Exminster/Dawlish road. The cycleway/path through the reserve is then only a few steps away (look for the reserve's location board).

By bike

Near National Cycle Network, Route 2.

By road

It's on the west side of the Exe, on the outskirts of Exeter and halfway between the city centre and Exminster. It is on Bridge Road (A379) between Countess Weir Roundabout and the Exminster/Newton Abbot turnoffs, prior to the Devon Hotel, Matford. The walk/cycle way entry point to the reserve is close to the carriageway's pedestrian/cycle lights. Please note, there are no parking facilities close by.

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

You can walk along the access track from Exeter or Exminster, or catch the bus to Matford Farm and walk from there.

Get directions from Google Maps
RSPB reserves on Google Earth

What will the weather be like?

12 degrees, Sunny day

Contact Matford Marshes

  • RSPB Matford Marshes, Dawlish Rd, Matford, Exeter EX2 8XR
  • exe.estuary@rspb.org.uk
  • 01392 833311

What will you see?

Our star species

    Green Sandpiper

    Green sandpiper

    The muddy edges here attract green sandpipers from late summer through to spring.

    Little Egret

    Little egret

    These dainty little white herons can be seen throughout the year at Matford Marshes.

    Male teal

    Teal

    Keep an eye out for teals which can be spotted in spring before they leave to breed elsewhere.

    Male wigeon

    Wigeon

    Listen out from the viewing platform for whistling wigeons grazing the grassy ditch margins.

Seasonal highlights

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter

The hedgerows come alive with singing birds, from blackcaps to goldfinches. Also listen out for the reed buntings that can be found here. Green sandpipers may be seen along the muddy margins and ducks such as teals can still be spotted before they leave to breed elsewhere.

Look out for broods of mallards, mute swans and Canada geese hiding amongst the vegetation. The hedgerows become homes for families of small woodland birds such as blackbirds, blackcaps, blue and great tits and song thrushes!

At this time of year, the water levels will start to rise and increase the muddy margins for our migrating waders. Birds such as green sandpipers, snipe and grey herons may be trying to find an easy meal.

A good number of ducks use the open water areas, and look out for coots and water rails which may also be present. Buzzards can be seen flying overhead and great spotted woodpeckers are often prospecting in the large trees ready for the spring.

About Matford Marshes

Habitat

This little reserve is made up of wetland, grassland and marshland. It helps protect Exeter from flooding by holding excess water several times a year after heavy rain or snow. The changes in water levels mean it's good for birds - wading birds drop in to feed on the muddy edges.

Conservation

The site is grazed with cattle to keep the coarser grasses under control and the water levels are managed.

Site information

Matford Marshes is a small, relatively new site halfway between Exeter and Exminster - just 3 miles (6 km) from the city centre. It's one of our Exe Estuary reserves. 

Latest forum posts

read our forum

Latest blog posts

read our blog

Activities and events

Activities for children and families

The reserve offers a safe, off-road cycle ride through delightful countryside on the edge of the city. 

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