Vange Marsh
VangeOpenSee opening timesPack your wellies and waterproofs to discover the patchwork of wetland habitats at Vange Marsh in South Essex. The mixture of fresh and saltwater lagoons can get a little muddy – which means it’s the perfect spot for breeding Avocets, Common Terns, little Ringed Plovers, Lapwings and Reed Buntings.
About
You won't get bored at the mosiac of wetlands at Vange Marsh, and neither do the birds. The bug-filled mud makes it the favourite spot of many birds throughout the year. The fresh and saltwater lagoons here host breeding Avocets, Little Ringed Plovers, Lapwings and Reed Buntings. While Wigeons, Teals and Shovelers are regular visitors in the winter.
Vange Marsh has plenty of visitor access, packed with nature trails and footpaths for you to explore. It’s a great place to start looking for birds with something to discover all year round. For the best spotting experience, you can use the viewing screen which overlooks the saltwater lagoon, which is tidal and everchanging. Or you can choose to perch on one of three small earth viewing-mounds, which overlook the larger brackish lagoon. There's plenty to see. You may even bump into the resident cattle at various times throughout the year, who kindly graze and maintain the site. The reedbeds are managed in partnership with the Land Trust.
⚠ Please be aware: this site can be extremely muddy in areas, especially during Autumn and Winter making the ground very wet and slippery. The nature trails can also become uneven particularly where the cattle roam. Please take extra care when visiting. ⚠
At a glance
Contact Vange Marsh
southessex@rspb.org.uk Nearest address for Sat Nav, Pitsea Train Station, Basildon, Pitsea, Essex, SS16 4UD 01268 498620