Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Marazion Marsh
LongrockOpenSee opening timesExplore the whispering reedbeds and keep your eyes sharp for our shy but numerous inhabitants. Rest a while at the viewing area, or bring a flask and take your time over a cuppa among nature.
About
In the shadow of St Michael's Mount near Penzance, Marazion Marsh is Cornwall's largest reedbed. With more than 250 bird, 500 plant, 500 insect and 18 mammal species having been recorded here.
Over the years, the reserve has become an important wintering site for Bitterns and a regular stopover for the globally threatened Aquatic Warbler.
In some years, starlings roost here from October to December, attracting aerial predators such as Buzzards and Sparrowhawks as they arrive at dusk. The Starlings are continental birds and their spectacular aerial acrobatics over the reedbeds – murmurations – are a sight worth seeing.
At a glance
The RSPB does not manage a car park here - so there will be a parking charge. Three privately-operated car parks close situated within 100 m of the reserve.
There are no toilets here. There are public toilets in the nearby Marazion station carpark.
There are no toilets here. Nearest public toilets in Penzance around 3 miles away.
Car park situated within 100 m of the reserve. Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Car park situated within 100 m of the reserve. Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
There are no toilets here. • There are public toilets in the nearby Marazion station carpark.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Assistance dogs welcome at all times.
Only on public footpaths. The reserve is managed as a safe home for breeding birds, so please keep dogs on a lead at all times. This nature reserve is an important place for wildlife.
See what’s here
Contact Marazion Marsh
cornwall@rspb.org.uk Marazion Marsh, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0AA 01736 360624