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Group Visits at RSPB Old Hall Marshes Nature Reserve
Animals & Wildlife, free entry
Address
9 Old Hall Lane,
Tolleshunt D'Arcy,
Maldon,
Essex,
CM9 8TP
Details
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.
Opening details
Prices
Free entry
Entry is free but by permit only. Permits to be obtained beforehand, from The Warden, 1 Old Hall Lane, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8TP
Also at this Venue
Directions
Map reference: TL 952119 Lat: 51.77172 Long: 0.82782
By Public transport:
Timetables and information can be accessed via the public transport information partnership Traveline South East. Traveline allows you to plan journeys from and to a postcode, postal address, town or village, named station or stop, or point of interest.
Call 0871 200 2233 to speak to an operator and plan your journey, or log onto www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk and simply type in where you are travelling from and to for a detailed trip summary.
Parking: free
Nearby
Facilities
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Dogs accepted
Guided tours for groups