old hall marshes sunrise

Book Tickets Online

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
Previous Next

Number of results:

Number of results: 459

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    Bradwell Village Hall, South Street, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7QJ

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 6.5 miles. Spectacular waterside walk taking in one of the district's most important historic sites – the ancient, lonely Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall. This easy, level circular walk covers 6.5 miles, much of it…

  2. Address

    The Yacht harbour, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621 869202

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury Marina is set in the heart of the East Coast on the mouth of the River Blackwater, gateway to the rivers and creeks of Essex and Suffolk.

  3. Address

    West Maldon Community Centre, Sunbury Way, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6YH

    Telephone

    0300 303 1555

    Maldon

    First Monday of the month. This group is a social get together for unpaid adult carers across the Maldon District. This group is also where carers can come along and speak to a experienced Carers Support Adviser to find out information, advice and…

  4. Address

    Goldsands Road, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7JW

    Telephone

    01621 772044

    Southminster

    Brewery offering guided tours and Taproom and Kitchen serving our ales, ciders and lager with a full snack and main meals menu.

  5. Address

    Hockley Meadows, Hockley Lane, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7PZ

    Telephone

    01621 776074

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Learn all about the history of gin, taste some beautiful examples and enjoy making a bottle to take home with your selection of botanicals. The Gin School masterclass is a 4-5 hour interactive, hands-on experience and includes a tasty lunch.

  6. Address

    Riverside Park, Riverside Park, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!

  7. Address

    135 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

    Maldon

    New Maldon gift ship with a wide range of fun and novelty gifts (including some saucy mugs - parents beware!)

  8. Address

    Plume Building, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ

    Telephone

    01621 854850

    Maldon

    Founded in 1704 this historic library still houses Thomas Plume’s books and his small collection of paintings.

  9. Address

    Abbey Turning, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6LL

    Telephone

    0345 603 7624

    Maldon

    By appointment. Beeleigh mill was a large flour mill on the river Chelmer near Maldon, Essex. It had two water wheels driving 10 stones (later 12), to which was added a separate building which housed a steam-powered beam engine driving five…

  10. Address

    Braxted Road, Little Braxted, CM8 3LD

    Little Braxted

    The great church artist Ernest Geldart was Rector of Little Braxted from 1883 to 1900, and he built this little chapel beside his Rectory in 1885 during a time when he was incapacitated after breaking a leg.

  11. Address

    St George’s Close, Heybridge Basin, Essex, CM9 4RZ

    Heybridge Basin

    Lying alongside the sea wall and to the north of the Heybridge Basin's built-up area is the only open space contained within the village and available for public use. There's a popular, well-equipped play area for younger children.

  12. Address

    Unit 5, The Kings Head Centre, 38 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PN

    Telephone

    01621 927102

    Maldon

    Pamper me Pretty offers a dedicated space for children to have a luxury pamper party. With a custom built stylish pamper room it is the perfect location for an unforgettable experience.

  13. Address

    Ulting Wick, Ulting, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QX

    Telephone

    01245 380216

    Maldon

    Inspirational private garden open for charity.

  14. Address

    1 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PB

    Telephone

    020 8090 5048

    Maldon

    We have now opened our own unique gift shop on Maldon High Street, specialising in Star Wars as well as expanding our range to include iconic science fiction and fantasy from film, TV and gaming franchises. 

  15. Address

    Fambridge Road, Althorne, Nr Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6BZ

    Telephone

    01621 450450

    Althorne, Nr Chelmsford

    Come for our Fine Award winning wines and stay for the view! Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch, located in the beautiful village of Althorne. Visit us for Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea; Taste and Tour, Pair and Share.
    The Wine Barn has…

  16. Address

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

    Maldon

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 1.3 miles. A gentle walk exploring Maldon's historic waterfront, with plenty of opportunities to detour and explore or enjoy refreshments along the way.

  17. Address

    Madison Heights, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    01621 850222

    Maldon

    Madison Heights in Maldon offers 60,000 sq ft of family fun. Here you will find 12 Ten Pin Bowling lanes, a games arcade with ticket machines to win prizes,, Pool tables, Henri's Bar & Grill, Monkey Puzzle Soft Play Centre with its own coffee shop…

  18. Address

    Wickham Bishops Village Hall, Snows Corner, Wickham Bishops, CM8 3JZ

    Wickham Bishops

    2.96 miles. This walk explores three pretty villages in the north of the district - Wickham Bishops, Little Braxted and Great Totham. Taking in tree-lined lanes and footpaths, this gently undulating walk is a great introduction to this part of the…

  19. Address

    Sunbury Way, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6YQ

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Maldon

    This site consists of two large areas of grass, a large block of ancient woodland and buffer strips of shrubs and trees.
    Large car park, modern and well equipped community centre, enclosed children's play site, kickabout area and seating.

  20. Address

    119 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BS

    Telephone

    01621 927240

    Maldon

    We opened Woof & Co Maldon opened in beautiful town of Maldon in July 2020. Our passion and knowledge for dog products started when we opened W&C sister company Tower Pet & Animal Feeds all the way back in 2005! Learning lots of product knowledge…

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.