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  • Matford Marshes

Matford Marshes

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Address
RSPB Matford Marshes, Dawlish Rd, Matford, Exeter EX2 8XR
Grid ref
SX937890
What3Words
riots.button.fled

This small site, located halfway between Exeter and Exminster, is an excellent vantage point for watching wildfowl and waders. Cyclists, walkers and joggers regularly use the track which leads to it, sharing this quiet reserve with green and common sandpipers, mallards and mute swans.

Plan your visit

Opening times

Open at all times.

Entrance charges

Free entrance to RSPB members
Yes
Adults
Free, but donations are very welcome.
Children
Free, but donations are very welcome.

Facilities

  • Pushchair friendly
  • Guided walks
  • Viewing point
  • Nature trails

Accessibility

How to get here

By train

Exeter Central or Exeter St Davids stations are 3 miles away. Finish the journey from Exeter bus station on the Number 2 Exeter-Teignmouth bus.

By bus

The closest stop is known as Matford Farm and is near the A379 roundabout and on the A379 Exminster/Dawlish road. The cycleway/path through the reserve is then only a few steps away (look for the reserve's location board).

By bike

Near National Cycle Network, Route 2.

By road

It's on the west side of the Exe, on the outskirts of Exeter and halfway between the city centre and Exminster. It is on Bridge Road (A379) between Countess Weir Roundabout and the Exminster/Newton Abbot turnoffs, prior to the Devon Hotel, Matford. The walk/cycle way entry point to the reserve is close to the carriageway's pedestrian/cycle lights. Please note, there are no parking facilities close by.

Sat nav POI file: If you have a satellite navigation system that can accept POI files, please see our POI page for a download link and instructions.

Other ways to get there

You can walk along the access track from Exeter or Exminster, or catch the bus to Matford Farm and walk from there.

Get directions from Google Maps
View on What3Words
RSPB reserves on Google Earth

Contact Matford Marshes

  • RSPB Matford Marshes, Dawlish Rd, Matford, Exeter EX2 8XR
  • exe.estuary@rspb.org.uk
  • 01392 833311
  • @RSPBExeEstuary
  • Find us on facebook

What will you see?

Our star species

    Green Sandpiper

    Green sandpiper

    The muddy edges here attract green sandpipers from late summer through to spring.

    Little Egret

    Little egret

    These dainty little white herons can be seen throughout the year at Matford Marshes.

    Male teal

    Teal

    Keep an eye out for teals which can be spotted in spring before they leave to breed elsewhere.

    Male wigeon

    Wigeon

    Listen out from the viewing platform for whistling wigeons grazing the grassy ditch margins.

Seasonal highlights

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter

The hedgerows come alive with singing birds, from blackcaps to goldfinches. Also listen out for the reed buntings that can be found here. Green sandpipers may be seen along the muddy margins and ducks such as teals can still be spotted before they leave to breed elsewhere.

Look out for broods of mallards, mute swans and Canada geese hiding amongst the vegetation. The hedgerows become homes for families of small woodland birds such as blackbirds, blackcaps, blue and great tits and song thrushes!

At this time of year, the water levels will start to rise and increase the muddy margins for our migrating waders. Birds such as green sandpipers, snipe and grey herons may be trying to find an easy meal.

A good number of ducks use the open water areas, and look out for coots and water rails which may also be present. Buzzards can be seen flying overhead and great spotted woodpeckers are often prospecting in the large trees ready for the spring.

About Matford Marshes

Habitat

This little reserve is made up of wetland, grassland and marshland. It helps protect Exeter from flooding by holding excess water several times a year after heavy rain or snow. The changes in water levels mean it's good for birds - wading birds drop in to feed on the muddy edges.

Conservation

The site is grazed with cattle to keep the coarser grasses under control and the water levels are managed.

Site information

Matford Marshes is a small, relatively new site halfway between Exeter and Exminster - just 3 miles (6 km) from the city centre. It's one of our Exe Estuary reserves. 

Latest forum posts

  • RSPB Avocet mini Cruise this seasons last but one of the best!

    Today was the last mini cruise of the season and what a treat it was for our visitors... Weather was fantastic with bright sunshine and light winds. Plenty of birds on show today, with up to 16 Red Breasted Mergansers, 200+ Brent Geese flying onto th...

    Posted 24/02/2016 by Derek C
  • ID waders

    Not sure what these birds are down at the Exe estuary just after high tide on Friday. The bigger birds may be Redshanks, they did have red legs. But what are the smaller waders? Dunlins? And we saw the Avocets, no problem with ID! Peter

    Posted 08/12/2015 by PeterC-386654180
  • Press release on disturbance issues affecting Brent Geese and Wildfowl

    If you see it report it to Gavin Bloomfield our conservation officer.... Wildlife experts are appealing to the public to take care around the estuaries of the Westcountry this autumn after a number of incidents in which migratory wildfowl were distur...

    Posted 29/10/2015 by Derek C
  • Photo's

    Do you mean in a thread or in the Photo tag?

    Posted 14/12/2014 by Derek C
read our forum

Latest blog posts

  • Crisp wintery mornings, peregrine falcon aerial acrobatics, work party antics and Avocet Cruises

    With the marshes filling up, and the winter species moving in, these cold crisp mornings provide fantastic conditions to be out on the marshes. After desert like conditions all summer long, with cracked mud and yellow grass, the last week’s rain has ...

    Posted 19/10/2018 by Tom A
  • Autumns in the air and were getting ready for the exciting arrivals

    With the evening light shortening and the mornings feeling a little chillier, signs that autumn is approaching are beginning. We are eagerly anticipating the autumn/winter migrants; over the next few weeks and months the marsh should regain its marsh...

    Posted 07/09/2018 by Tom A
  • John O’Groats to Land’s End, Over 900 miles in 10 days, for the RSPB and Ecosystem Impact’s Salur Valley Bird Conservation Programme

    On September the 17th my mum and I are cycling over 900 miles, from John O’Groats to Land’s End, in just 10 days. By doing this cycle ride, we aim to raise money for two incredible causes: the RSPB (UK) and Ecosystem Impact’s Salur Valley Bird Conser...

    Posted 21/08/2018 by Tom A
  • Marsh harriers on the marshes, and why not come play in our discovery area!

    Differing greatly from the high speed predation techniques of hobby’s, peregrines and sparrow hawks, marsh harriers are often seen gently soaring across the skyline and can appear to be flying in slow motion. We have had a marsh harrier hanging aroun...

    Posted 11/08/2018 by Tom A
read our blog

Activities and events

Activities for children and families

The reserve offers a safe, off-road cycle ride through delightful countryside on the edge of the city. 

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