Sawbridgeworth Marsh Nature Reserve

Water Vole eating Terry Whittaker 2020 Vision

Water Vole - Terry Whittaker 2020Vision

Southern Marsh Orchid 2020 Vision Terry Whittaker

Terry Whittaker / 2020 Vision

Sawbridgeworth Marsh Nature Reserve

Lying in the valley of the River Stort these reedbeds become alive during summer - with flowering marsh plants, singing Warblers, an abundance of invertebrates and a chance to see one of the UK’s rarest mammals, the Water Vole

Location

Sawbridgeworth Marsh Nature Reserve
Sawbridgeworth
CM21 9HR

OS Map Reference

TL493157
A static map of Sawbridgeworth Marsh Nature Reserve

Know before you go

Size
9 hectares
P

Parking information

Limited parking on the side of the road for one or two cars

Grazing animals

Cows grazing from July-October

Walking trails

Paths and boardwalks alongside the river and round the reserve 

Access

Can be wet and boggy, with boardwalks over the wettest areas

Dogs

Under effective control

Not a recommended dog walking site due to it being muddy

When to visit

Opening times

Accessible at all times

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

This nature reserve is a great place to see several rare plants that are now only found at a few sites in the county, such as Southern Marsh Orchids, Marsh Willowherb and Marsh Valerian.

Work has been undertaken to open up the numerous ditches, which has allowed Water Voles to successfully establish in them from further up the River Stort. 

The surrounding areas of tall sedge and reedbeds provide a valuable nesting habitat for both Reed and Sedge Warblers and an abundance of invertebrate species.

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)