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

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

    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 421 to 440.

  1. Address

    Homefield House, Witham Road, Little Braxted, Essex, CM8 3ET

    Telephone

    07740117688

    Little Braxted

    A recent addition to the charming Braxted Bakery is this quaint minitature railway which runs on site next the bakery!

    Started off as hobby by the bakery owners, the railway is now open to passengers and will be open alongside the bakery to…

  2. Address

    Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RD

    Telephone

    01621 862960

    Maldon

    An area of worked-out flooded gravel pits to the north of the River Blackwater. It has a variety of habitats including Willow Carr, open water, small ponds and marshy areas, rough grassland, and willow and hawthorn scrub.

  3. Address

    4 Edwards Walk, High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PS

    Telephone

    07964 982299

    Maldon

    A local Independent health food store offering supplements, superfoods, health and nutrition advice and delicious fresh juices and smoothies.

  4. Address

    Southminster Railway Station, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7EG

    Southminster

    A voyage of real ale discovery along the scenic Crouch Valley railway line from Wickford to Southminster in the heart of the Dengie Peninsula

  5. Address

    72 Station Rd, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HF

    Telephone

    01621 783099

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Forever Ink covers a wide range of tattoo styles from traditional to custom designs. They also offer body piercings.

  6. Address

    Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RX

    Heybridge Basin

    Heybridge Basin's famous sea lock links the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation to the Blackwater Estuary and would once have enabled smaller boats to enter and exit the canal and travel around the coastline. Today it is can still be used by suitable…

  7. Address

    Maldon Road junction with Braxted Park Road, Great Braxted, CO5 0QA

    Telephone

    01621 816464

    Great Braxted

    Family run farm shopping selling a wide range of fruit and vegetables, mainly grown in the surrounding area, including a seasonal range of locally grown apples. You will also find preserves, local honey, fresh flowers, speciality cheeses, breads and…

  8. Address

    White Horse Lane car park, White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QP

    Maldon

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.6 miles. If you want a mud-free stroll which takes in the lesser-known parts of Maldon then this walk is a good option. This easy circuit of Maldon uses plenty of quiet paths and lanes, giving you the chance to…

  9. Address

    Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ

    Telephone

    01621 859365

    Maldon

    The original modest chapel on this site was replaced by this handsome building in 1801. This was as a result of the popularity of the resident preacher Reverend Joseph Billio. His enthusiasm and inspirational energy had caused the congregation to…

  10. Address

    Upper Plume school artificial pitch, Fambridge Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6AB

    Telephone

    01621854477

    Maldon

    A brand-new project on the back of the success that the Lionesses' achieved during 2022.

    The sessions are run by Simon and Ben from Maldon District Council's community health and wellbeing team and is open to women aged 18+ and costs just £1 per…

  11. Address

    Burnham-on-Crouch Library, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HQ

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.6 miles. This largely mud-free stroll follows an easy circuit of the riverside yachting centre giving visitors the opportunity to explore some lesser-visited parts of the town.

  12. Address

    Vicarage Lane, Mundon, Essex, CM9 6PA

    Mundon

    The church of St. Mary in Mundon is cared for by the Friends of Friendless Churches and it is now conserved as a Grade 1 listed medieval church. After a major programme of restoration and repair it is once again open to the public daily.

  13. Address

    1A Edward Bright Close, High Street, Maldon, CM9 5RU

    Telephone

    01621 842247

    Maldon

    Clothing boutique selling ladies' fashions, women's shoes and accessories. Also available online.

  14. Address

    23 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PE

    Telephone

    01621854968

    Maldon

    Welcome to Maldon Books, an award-winning independent bookshop located in the heart of Maldon, Essex. We’re a family-run bookshop, nestled in at the top of the high street with a beautiful view of All Saint’s Church. We stock a wide range of titles…

  15. Address

    Church Hill, Purleigh, CM3 6QH

    Telephone

    01621 829600

    Purleigh

    Owned and run by local residents, Purleigh Community Shop offers convenience shopping, local produce and a social hub  in the heart of Purleigh. Produce includes fresh bread and cakes, locally produced meat, vegetables and fruit, wines,…

  16. Address

    Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LU

    Telephone

    01621 740370

    North Fambridge

    Fambridge Yacht Haven at North Fambridge is a peaceful retreat for families, rallies and solo-travellers. From fine riverside walks to country pubs and plenty of children's attractions, there's so much to discover! With a direct train line to…

  17. Address

    The Esplanade, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AL

    Telephone

    01621 743551

    Mayland

    An area of grassland adjacent to the sea wall in Mayland. Across the middle of the site is the remnants of an old borrow dyke which is now dry most of the year.

  18. Address

    112a High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621840844

    Maldon

    TDR Computers began trading in the early 2000s, from this time onwards we have been offering repairs and services to individuals and businesses all over Essex.

    ​We pride ourselves on being reliable friendly faces doing our best to provide quality…

  19. Address

    Downs Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HG

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Maldon

    An area of grassland and trees which slopes gently down to saltmarsh at the edge of the River Blackwater. At the top of the site near the road is a tarmac path and a number of benches.

  20. Address

    Friends Meeting House (Quaker Church), Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

    Telephone

    01621 854056

    Maldon

    Maldon’s Quaker Meeting House was built in 1821. It comprises two separate rooms; originally one for women and one for men, but now everyone worships together. The Georgian benches and tiered elders’ benches remain.

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.