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RSPB Old Hall Marshes Nature Reserve

Type:Nature Reserve

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

Website

Tel: 01621 869015

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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...Read More

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. Read Less

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Facilities

Children

  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Guided tours for groups

Parking

  • Free Parking

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups

Map

Open in Maps

View Map and What's Nearby

Opening Times

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

What's Nearby

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    WhimbrelArt gallery

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    Tollesbury Congregational Church

    Tollesbury Congregational Church has served the village since 1803.

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    Tollesbury Village Lock-Up "The Cage"

    Tollesbury's little prison was opened in 1700 and was in operation for around a century…

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Number of results:

Number of results: 459

, currently showing 201 to 220.

  1. Datum Attitude Brewery Taproom
    Datum Attitude Brewery Taproom

    Address

    Unit 8, Heybridge Industrial Estate, The Causeway, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4XL

    Telephone

    07498 218283

    info@datumattitude.co.uk

    Maldon

    Our Maldon Brewery Taproom & Shop

    Find us on the edge of Maldon in our brand new space!

    Visit us Thursday to Sunday and try our small batch craft beers as fresh as they can possibly get.

    We often have food trucks joining us, please…

  2. Drapers Farm
    Drapers Farm

    Address

    Drapers Chase, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4QT

    Telephone

    01621 852152

    Heybridge

    A large sports ground with associated sports pavilion and changing rooms. It is the home of Maldon Cricket Club, Maldon Croquet Club, Maldon Rugby Club and Maldon Tennis Club.

  3. Large monstera plant and cacti in pots at Jacaranda flowers
    Jacaranda Flowers

    Address

    60 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HF

    Telephone

    01621 785300

    Burnham

    At Jacaranda Flowers by Sam Adams, we love flowers and our designs are modern, contemporary, and full of creativity! Send flowers locally, we deliver our beautiful bouquets from our flower shop in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex 5 days a week. Order…

  4. A thames barge of the Sea-Change Sailing Trust on the waves.
    Sea-Change Sailing Trust

    Address

    Sea-Change Sailing Trust, Downs Road Boatyard, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HG

    Telephone

    01621840982

    judy@seachangesailingtrust.org.uk

    Maldon

    Sea-Change provides residential opportunities for young people and vulnerable adults to learn and develop in a unique environment. By living and working together aboard a traditional sailing vessel they participate in a wide range of life skills and…

  5. Three Rivers Golf Club
    Three Rivers Golf and Country Club

    Address

    Stow Road, Cold Norton, Essex, CM3 6RR

    Telephone

    01621 828631

    events@threeriversclub.com

    Cold Norton

    The Kings & Jubilee courses offer a great variety and challenge. Constructed to USGA specifications to provide an unrivalled quality of playing surface year round.

  6. Bunches of fresh asparagus and tub of Tarragon sauce from Thorogood Asparagus
    S Thorogood Farm Shop

    Address

    New Moor Farm, Tillingham Road, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7DS

    Telephone

    07703 577523

    asparagus@newmoor.co.uk

    Southminster

    Thorogood's asparagus has a reputation for being some of the most delicious in the country, and each year there's a short season when you can buy the freshest possible asparagus straight from the farm.

  7. The Hythe Quay Maldon
    Hythe Quay

    Address

    Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Telephone

    01621 856503

    tic@maldon.gov.uk

    Maldon

    For well over a thousand years Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime community and the gateway to Maldon for vessels arriving from the sea. From the award winning Promenade Park to the pubs, restaurants and shops of Maldon High Street,…

  8. Grey and white designer kitchen by Marshall Scott
    Marshall Scott Kitchens

    Address

    125 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

    Telephone

    01621 858255

    hello@marshall-scott.co.uk

    Maldon

    The award-winning Marshall Scott kitchen design team is here to help make your kitchen dreams a reality. We offer bespoke kitchen designs to suit every home. Our range includes everything you need to complete your kitchen from handles and taps to…

  9. the jacks centre gala19
    The Jacks Centre

    Address

    Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6EX

    Telephone

    01621 742051

    info@jackscentre.co.uk

    Latchingdon

    An all-year-round Indoor Bowls Facility, with cafe, bar and the Golding Room for Weddings, Christenings, Birthday Parties, Wakes and other celebrations.

  10. Modern hair salon, Matrix Hair
    Matrix Hair Art Unisex Salon

    Address

    132 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HQ

    Telephone

    01621 782026

    Burnham

    Friendly, modern unisex hair salon that has bright young employees, a friendly atmosphere and good prices.

  11. Horse riders in a field
    Elmwood Equestrian Centre

    Address

    Elm Farm, Maldon Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8NT

    Telephone

    01621 783216

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Qualified instructors cater for all ages and stages. Very good hacking, long distance horse riding, pony trekking and beach rides. Introduction to riding - lead rein for the very young, plus group and private lessons. Weight limit 15 st.

  12. marconi sailing club cadet week
    Marconi Sailing Club

    Address

    Stansgate Abbey Farm, Stansgate, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7NU

    Telephone

    01621 772164

    info@marconi-sc.org.uk

    Southminster

    Marconi Sailing Club

  13. The Secret Butcher's
    The Secret Butchers Shop

    Address

    Fowler Bros Ltd, Brook Farm, Marsh Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8NA

    Telephone

    01621 782759

    fowlerbros@tiscali.co.uk

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Butcher’s shop selling local beef/lamb/pork. BBQ packs and the speciality Burnham banger.

  14. Marvens (Riding) Stables
    Marven's Riding Stables

    Address

    Fanners Farm, Maypole Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3LX

    Telephone

    01621 891011

    glen.j@dwbgroup.co.uk

    Wickham Bishops

    Belonging to 'East Anglian Rides', a friendly, safety conscious family yard.

  15. King George V Playing Field Southminster
    King George V Memorial Playing Field, Southminster

    Address

    Station Road, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7EW

    Telephone

    01621 773868

    southminsterpc@yahoo.co.uk

    Southminster

    One of the largest and best equipped parish fields in the Maldon District, this open, flat site is bordered to the south by a large flooded former gravel pit.

  16. aerial view of Burnham Royal Corinthian Yacht Club
    Royal Corinthian Yacht Club

    Address

    The Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AX

    Telephone

    01621 782105

    info@royalcorinthian.co.uk

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Architecturally listed yacht club offering magnificent views of the River Crouch. Racing for day boats and dinghies, training for cadets and optimists - strong Junior Club. Large restaurant and bar with terrace. Visiting yachtsmen welcome.

  17. Avenue of Remembrance for World War 1
    World War One Avenue of Remembrance

    Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    The World War One Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park begins by the coach park and loops around the field to the main vehicle entrance from Park Drive. The Avenue originally consisted of 180 numbered trees and was dedicated on 27 November 1935…

  18. Themed pony party at Scooty Wooty's
    Scooty Wooty's Pony Riding, Parties & Events

    Address

    St Stephens Road, Cold Norton, CM3 6NP

    Telephone

    07955 383364

    Scootywootysponyparties@gmail.com

    Cold Norton

    Scooty Wooty's is a small riding establishment that offers horse riding lessons, pony riding , stable management, own a pony sessions and children's parties.

  19. St Nicholas Church, Tolleshunt Major
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    Address

    Church Road, Tolleshunt Major, Essex, CM9 8EH

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    Grade I Listed St Nicholas church dates from the 12th century and has expansive views from the churchyard, which also contains a Commonwealth War Grave.

  20. Mother with baby in the library
    Baby and Toddler Rhymetime at Burnham Library

    Address

    103 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HQ

    Telephone

    0345 603 7628

    burnham.library@essex.gov.uk

    Burnham

    Tuesdays. Baby & Toddler Rhymetime is designed for the under fives. Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together! No need to book, just come along and join in.

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.

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