Old Hall Marshes

We’re delighted to be open for visitors. See full facility details below. In line with Government recommendations, we ask that all visitors, unless exempt, please continue to wear a face covering. Please also #RespectProtectEnjoy the special wildlife here and each other – keeping to the paths and following signage on site. See our Covid-19 updates page for the latest safety information (link below). Thank you.

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

Grid ref: TL959122

What3Words: marbles.fidelity.position

See our reserves Covid-19 updates page for which sites are open and other important details.

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

Car park: open, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Closed outside of these hours.
Nature reserve trails: open daily.

Free entrance to RSPB members: Yes

Adults: Free

Children: Free

Car park cost: Free

Facilities

Car park
Picnic area
Viewing point
Nature trails

Accessibility

Full accessibility information (external website)

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

View on What3Words

RSPB reserves on Google Earth

Please keep your dog on a lead and under close, effective control at all times, due to the sensitive wildlife, habitats and livestock here.

Disturbing wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of season. Thank you for protecting the special wildlife here by keeping your dog on a lead and under close, effective control.

Dogs die in hot cars, please do not leave your dog in the car when visiting us.
There are no dog waste bins on the reserve, we ask that you take the waste home with you to dispose of.

If you are visiting Old Hall Marshes as a group, please contact us in advance by email on oldhallmarshes@rspb.org.uk to check availability.

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).

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