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Description
Cattawade Marshes lie at the head of the Stour Estuary, between freshwater and tidal channels of the River Stour. These grazing marshes with associated open water and fen habitats are of major importance for the diversity of their breeding bird community. Cattawade Marshes is an 88.3 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. There is no public access allowed. But the footpath on the south side of the river allows excellent views of the reserve and all its wildlife. In spring and summer you can see Vibe, Rødben and Strandskade. Lille Præstekrave and Gravand nest on the relict seawalls. Marshy pools and a system of dykes within the grassland, together with dense riverside vegetation, provide further nesting habitats, most notably for Skeand, Krikand, Troldand and Vandrikse. During winter the area holds about 1500 Krikand and Pibeand and a couple of hundred Vibe and Knortegås. On average, Cattawade Marshes holds around 10 per cent of the wintering birds on the entire Stour Estuary.
Details
Access
Park at Manningtree railway station, on the A137 between Ipswich and Colchester. Or park at the picnic site on B1070 c.100m from A137 Brantham Roundabout and walk along A137 towards Manningtree. Follow the signposted public right of way along the south shore of the tidal river Stour. A really enjoyable circular walk of 5 km is available from Manningtree railway station (see the map). Allow 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the experience.