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About

Embanked from the sea over 400 years ago, Old Hall Marshes was one of seven blocks of semi-natural grassland remaining in Essex, when purchased by RSPB as a refuge for over-wintering dark-bellied brent geese. It has since developed into a series of outstanding habitats and received several protective designations. Such quality, has led to the site being recognised as perhaps the 'best grazing marsh' in the country, making it almost unique in the context of present day coastal wetlands. Like much of the Essex coast, Old Hall has been traditionally managed, with cattle and sheep, for over 400 years - a practice which RSPB continues.

Within the sea-wall, the marsh is vibrant and is afforded further designation for the international assemblages of waterfowl it supports. The improved grassland on the marginally higher ground provides nesting habitat for nationally declining species such as lapwings and redshanks in the spring and provides feeding for over 4,000 brent geese and other visiting waterfowl during the winter months. Thousands of ant-hills pepper the grazing marsh, which undulates and traces the contours of the former saltmarsh. Intersected by a myriad of creeks and rills, it is home to unique vegetation assemblages and scarce invertebrate communities. Among the deeper, reed-fringed fleets has developed probably the largest reed-bed in Essex, the last known breeding site of bittern in the county over half a century ago, but now boasting nationally important breeding populations of marsh harrier, pochard, and bearded tits.

Facilities

Children

  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Guided tours for groups

Parking

  • Free Parking

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups

Map & Directions

RSPB Old Hall Marshes Nature Reserve

Type:Nature Reserve

9 Old Hall Lane, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8TP

Tel: 01621 869015

Opening Times

* Car park open 9am to 5pm, public footpath open at all times

What's Nearby

  1. WhimbrelArt in Tollesbury is a gallery specialising in the work of local artists and…

    0.95 miles away
  2. Tollesbury Congregational Church has served the village since 1803.

    0.95 miles away
  3. Tollesbury's little prison was opened in 1700 and was in operation for around a century…

    0.99 miles away
  1. St Mary the Virgin is a beautiful Grade II* Listed church in the village of Tollesbury.…

    0.99 miles away
  2. Tollesbury War Memorial stands in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, a beautiful Grade…

    0.99 miles away
  3. This is a large, open site with good views across the Blackwater Estuary towards St…

    1.06 miles away
  4. One of Essex Wildlife Trust's best reserves. A large (600 acres) tract of ancient grazing…

    1.23 miles away
  5. This is a large open site on the edge of the village with views to the south towards the…

    1.34 miles away
  6. In the middle of the road junction in Tolleshunt D'Arcy stands the village maypole, one…

    1.37 miles away
  7. A blue plaque marks D'Arcy House as the home of famous novelist Margery Allingham who…

    1.38 miles away
  8. Walkers along the sea wall at Tollesbury will be fascinated by the large red ship moored…

    1.38 miles away
  9. St Nicholas Church is Grade I listed. Its churchyard extension, a little way up the road,…

    1.48 miles away
  10. This 12th century Grade II* Listed church is now owned by the nearby Orthodox Monastery…

    1.98 miles away
  11. The Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of St John the Baptist is an Orthodox…

    2.56 miles away
  12. Grade I Listed St Nicholas church dates from the 12th century and has expansive views…

    2.73 miles away
  13. This Essex Wildlife Trust site consists of two flower-rich meadows surrounded by dense,…

    2.97 miles away
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Number of results:

Number of results: 581

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    14 Edwards Walk shopping Arcade, Maldon Road, CM95PS

    Telephone

    07964982299

    Maldon Road

    the Crystal Shack offers a large range of Crystals, rare, raw, polished & tumbled. Gifts and collectables from around the globe. Fair trade percussion & sound healing instruments. Himalayan salt & crystal lamps, incense, magical herbs, resins, eco…

  2. Address

    Tollesbury Marina, Woodrolfe Rd, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621 869561

    Tollesbury

    Situated in the heart of one of the friendliest marinas on the East Coast facilities at this club include a restaurant and bar, swimming pool and tennis courts.

  3. Address

    Saint Lawrence Hill, Steeple, Essex, CM0 7LN

    Telephone

    01621 776203

    Steeple

    This active rural parish church, situated on a hilltop overlooking the Blackwater Estuary provides exhibitions and community activities. Light refreshments available.

  4. Address

    27 Fullbridge, Heybridge, CM9 4LE

    Telephone

    01621 852284

    Heybridge

    Fullbridge Evangelical Church has been on its present site since 1937, and has its origins in the Brethren movement which started around 1830. It has a wide range of activities and community outreach.

  5. Address

    Scarr Cottage, Stow Maries, Essex, CM3 6SB

    Telephone

    01621 828903

    Stow Maries

    Martin's Lane Vineyard specializes in the production of only the finest quality and ripest grapes to produce the very best in English wines.

  6. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    07487547122

    Maldon

    The Maldon Promenade Zoo is home to over 70 species of animals when we are open (please note that some of our larger animals go home at the end of each day to our larger private farm located on the Dengie Peninsula).

  7. Address

    East Hall Farm, East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PN

    Telephone

    01621 776564

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Othona is an open and inclusive Community rooted in the Christian tradition and drawing on a wealth of other inspirations.

  8. Address

    Tinnocks Lane, St Lawrence, Essex, CM0 7NF

    Telephone

    01621 779344

    St Lawrence

    Sailing Club on the south side of the Blackwater River offering full dinghy racing programme and cruiser sailing with full social activities plus canoeing.

  9. Address

    173 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HJ

    Telephone

    01621929978

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Grey Soft Furnishings is based in Burnham on Crouch, Essex, and we produce bespoke, made to measure curtains, cushions, blinds and all manner of custom soft furnishings. We now have a shop where you are able to view a large range of fabric books,…

  10. Address

    70C High Street, Maldon, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 843347

    Maldon

    The Salvation Army Trading Company's charity shop in Maldon High Street is newly refurbished and offers a great selection of men's, women's and children's clothing at bargain prices. You will also find shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories, along…

  11. Address

    Bradwell Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QY

    Telephone

    0345 200420

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Essex Outdoors provides high quality outdoor learning opportunities to the young people of Essex, and the wider community.

  12. Address

    9a High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PB

    Telephone

    01621 927337

    Maldon

    Beautiful bespoke and ready made jewellery hand made on the premises by an award-winning goldsmith and designer, including engagement and wedding rings, bridal jewellery and jewellery repairs and alterations.

  13. Address

    Beckingham Road, Great Totham, Essex, CM9 8EA

    Telephone

    01621 891406

    Great Totham

    Parkland course and practice ground.

  14. Address

    Tollesbury Road, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon, CM9 8UB

    Telephone

    07483 325853

    Tolleshunt D'Arcy

    This is a large open site on the edge of the village with views to the south towards the Blackwater Estuary. There is an outdoor gym consisting of twelve exercise stations including a cross trainer, leg press and sit up bench.

  15. Address

    Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

    Telephone

    07519 743121

    Burnham-on-Crouch

  16. Address

    Woodside, Mundon, Maldon, CM9 6PD

    Telephone

    01621 850826

    Mundon

    One of the last areas of surviving ancient woodland in the Dengie peninsular. The dominant tree species are oak and ash. Although there is something of interest to see all year round, the best time to visit is early morning in the spring.

  17. Address

    Dykes Chase, Maldon, CM9 6HP

    Telephone

    01621 857373

    Maldon

    This attractive site was formerly part of a garden & was donated to Maldon Town Council for the use of the town's residents. It features a wide range of native & ornamental trees & shrubs along with views towards Beeleigh Weir.

  18. Address

    Northey Cottage, Northey Island, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6PP

    Maldon

    Northey is an island in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, connected to the mainland by a causeway that is covered by the tide twice every day. It is a Site of special scientific interest with a large area of undisturbed Saltmarsh. It is also the site…

  19. Address

    Butt Lane Car Park, Butt Lane, Maldon, CM9 5HD

    Maldon

    Thursdays. The historic town centre of Maldon has had a street market since medieval times, and the tradition is about to be rejuvenated with the launch of a new outdoor market in October 2023. Opportunities are available for new stall holders!

  20. Address

    Elizabeth Way, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4TG

    Telephone

    01621 852471

    Heybridge

    A small children's play area accessible from Elizabeth Way and the Elms Farm development.

Related

Moorings at Tollesbury, Paula FreemanTollesbury & Old Hall Marshes - Self-Guided Walk No. 4.4 / 4.5, MaldonSALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 6.4 or 10.2 miles. A fascinating walk around Tollesbury and the surrounding marshes. This walk has plenty of stunning views, historic sites and bird-watching opportunities! Tollesbury nowadays is a renowned sailing venue so keep an eye out for passing vessels.

Tollesbury marshes, Aerial EssexTollesbury Wick Marshes Walk - Self-Guided Walk No. 4.2 / 4.3, MaldonSALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 5.8 or 8.9 miles. Tollesbury Wick Marshes is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Tollesbury is now renowned as a yachting centre; once upon a time the marshes were the haunt of smugglers.