Cattawade Marshes
ManningtreeOpenSee opening timesFollow the footpath along the river and look on as many hundreds of wetland birds flock to the marshes to graze. Ready for a cuppa? Follow the path on to the pretty Flatford hamlet, famous for its landscape and historic paintings by John Constable.
About
Cattawade Marshes is an 88.3 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, which lies between the two arms of the River Stour on the Essex/Suffolk border.
The site is very special and easily disturbed so unfortunately there is no public access to the reserve itself. But the footpath on the south side of the river allows excellent views of the reserve and all its wildlife and leads you on to the historic hamlet of Flatford, the heart of Constable Country.
The grazing marshes at Cattawade are of major importance for the diversity of the breeding bird community. You can watch Oystercatchers, Redshanks and Lapwings here. Come at dawn if you can to enjoy the best views.
It's not only during the spring that the marsh is important, during winter we get around 1,500 Teals and Wigeons with a couple of hundred Lapwing and Dark-bellied Brent Geese thrown in for good measure.
At a glance
Contact Cattawade Marshes
stourestuary@rspb.org.uk Cattawade Marshes, Essex, CO11 2LE 01206 391153