Old Hall Marshes

Address: RSPB Old Hall Marshes, Old Hall Ln, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon CM9 8TP, UK

Grid ref: TL959122

Old Hall Marshes comprises extensive grazing marshes with brackish water fleets, reedbeds, saltmarsh and two off-shore islands. Breeding species here include avocet, lapwing, redshank, pochard, shoveler and bearded tit. During migration, marsh harriers, wheatears, whinchats and waders can also be seen, making this the perfect spot for avid birdwatchers.

Plan your visit

9am - 5pm or dusk if sooner.

Free entrance to RSPB members: Yes

Adults: Free

Children: Free

Car park cost: Free

Facilities

No visitor centre
Car park
Toilets off-site
Accessible toilets off-site
No Refreshments
Guided walks
Viewing point
Nature trails
Shop off-site

Accessibility

How to get here

By train

The closest station is Kelvedon. From here, you can cycle or catch a bus to Tollesbury.

By bus

Catch a bus to Tollesbury, then walk north along sea-wall for approximately two miles.

By road

Follow directions to Tolleshunt D'Arcy. Turn left at village maypole then right into Chapel Road (back road to Tollesbury). After approx 1 mile (1.6 km), turn left into Old Hall Lane. Please therefore do not park in the lane. This leads to Old Hall Farm, then go around the garden in front of farmhouse, over speed ramps and through the iron gates to cattle grid, follow signs straight ahead to car park.

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

The reserve can be accessed from Salcott and Tollesbury on foot.

Get directions from Google Maps

RSPB reserves on Google Earth

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Downloads

Helping you find your way around. PDF, 822Kb

Old Hall Marshes trail map

Contact Old Hall Marshes

RSPB Old Hall Marshes, Old Hall Ln, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon CM9 8TP, UK
oldhallmarshes@rspb.org.uk
01621 869015
@RSPBEssex
Find us on facebook

What will you see?

Our star species

Avocet

Watch elegant avocets 'scooping up' microscopic, aquatic life.

Bearded tit

Watch them whizzing across the tops of the reeds.

Brent goose

They can be seen in good numbers here from October and linger well into the spring.

Marsh harrier

During migration, look for marsh harriers gliding over the reed beds.

Wigeon

Wigeons arrive at Old Hall Marshes in autumn until the following spring.

Spring has reeding shovelers, gadwalls and pochards in ditches and open water; oystercatchers, avocets, lapwings and redshanks on grazing marsh and improved pasture. Marsh harriers and barn owls hunting over the reed-bed. Migrant waders adjacent to any shallow water and passage whimbrels on the semi-improved grassland.

Summer sees juvenile marsh harriers in reedbed, spotted redshanks, greenshanks and ruffs.

In autumn, wigeons and teals are on shallow open water, flocks of golden plovers and lapwings wherever there is water.

Winter has brent geese on semi-improved grazing, hen harriers, merlins and short-eared owls hunting the grazing marsh. Divers, grebes, goldeneyes, red-breasted mergansers and other seaducks in the estuarine channels. Twites and snow buntings on the seawall.

About Old Hall Marshes

Habitat

Habitats here include extensive grazing marshes with brackish water fleets, reedbeds, and saltmarsh.

Conservation

At important site around Essex, signs have been put up to advise people not to moor up there and come ashore which causes disturbance to these ground-nesting species. Permitted landing areas have also been provided where possible.

RSPB Old Hall Marshes, Essex Wildlife Trust (EWT) Tollesbury Wick Marshes and EWT Colne Point all have important breeding colonies.

Partners

Little Tern Recovery Project is generously supported by the EU LIFE+ Nature Programme.

Site information

Our reserve here comprises extensive grazing marshes and two off-shore islands, covering 631 ha (1,560 acres).

Latest form posts

read our forum

Old Hall Marshes

Plan your visit

Opening times

Entrance charges

Facilities

Accessibility

How to get here

What will the weather be like?

Downloads

Contact Old Hall Marshes

What will you see?

Our star species

Avocet

Bearded tit

Brent goose

Marsh harrier

Wigeon

Recent sightings

Seasonal highlights

About Old Hall Marshes

Habitat

Conservation

Partners

Site information

Latest form posts

bird food

if you're thinking about visiting and would like to find out more, ask away!

Recent photos

Old hall action

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