Brandon Marsh

Brandon Marsh in Autumn

Autumn 2020 by David Goldsmith

Kingfisher

Kingfisher by Dave Mount

Brandon Marsh in golden light

Brandon Marsh by Anne Patterson

Brandon Marsh Meadow

Brandon Marsh Steve Cheshire

Brandon Marsh is well known for the variety and quality of its scenic pools, reedbeds, grassland and woodland. There are nine birdwatching hides throughout the reserve where you can often spot the resident wildlife including kingfishers, otters, bank voles and more.

Location

Brandon Lane
Coventry
CV3 3GW

OS Map Reference

SP 386 761
Get directions

Know before you go

Size
92 hectares
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Entry fee

Adults - £4.5 | Concessions - £3.5 | Children (4+) - £3 | Family (2 adults, 3 children) - £12. FREE to Wildlife Trust members.
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Parking information

Car park

Bicycle parking

Bike parking is available at Brandon Marsh but bikes cannot be used inside the reserve. Bikes are permitted across the road at Brandon Reach.

Grazing animals

No

Walking trails

View and download the map below to plan your walking route.

 Brandon Marsh reserve map 

The nature reserve is ideal for birdwatchers, walkers and families of all ages. Two surfaced trails make accessibility easier for those using buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters, during suitable weather conditions - these are the Kingfisher Trail, which takes around 40 minutes, and the Woodpecker Trail which takes 20 minutes. Explore the reserve and spot wildlife from one of our nine bird hides, keeping your eyes open for the muntjac deer and foxes which emerge from the woodland from time to time.

Access outside visitor centre opening times for members only. The reserve can get muddy and some areas are known to flood. Keep scrolling to download a map or pick up a copy from the visitor centre during opening hours.

Access

Relatively flat and wheelchair-friendly, with some wheelchair accessible paths. Some areas can be muddy. Induction loop system in visitor centre.

Visiting in winter

As Brandon Marsh is a wetland reserve, during heavy rain some areas of the reserve may become inaccessible. This includes paths to the bird hides. Please bring appropriate footwear and contact our Visitor Centre team before your visit if you need to check the access.

Mobility scooters are free to loan

If you would like to loan a mobility scooter to use during your visit to Brandon Marsh then please phone the visitor centre in advance to make your booking - there is no charge for your loan. We are unable to loan the scooters out during wet weather.

Dogs

Assistance dogs only
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Facilities

Visitor centre
Bird hides
Toilets
Shop
Cafe/refreshments
Picnic area
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities
Outdoor play area
Electric car charging point
Wifi
Disabled parking

When to visit

Opening times

Winter opening hours (1 Oct - 31 March): 9.30am - 4.00pm Monday-Friday | 10am - 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday.

Summer opening hours (1 April - 30 Sept): 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday-Friday | 10am - 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday.

Bank holidays: weekend hours apply.

Best time to visit

April to October

About the reserve

Brandon Marsh is well known for the variety and quality of its pools, reedbeds, grassland and woodland. The large pools were created by gravel extraction and attract a huge variety of birds and other wildlife. There are nine hides throughout the reserve where you can get up close to the resident wildlife.  

Become a member and enjoy free entry all year round!

We're now asking to see membership cards when you enter Brandon Marsh, so we can monitor visitor flow. Just ask staff for further details. Thank you for your co-operation.

Become a member

 

     

    Brandon Marsh Café

    We’re pleased to announce that Brandon Marsh café is now open for hot and cold drinks, light bites and snacks. Now serving teacakes, sandwiches, bacon and sausage baps, and vegan sausage baps. Gluten-free options available.

    The Café is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

    • Wednesday- Friday: 9.30am - 4pm
    • Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm

     

    Seeing the starling murmuration

    Every winter, tens of thousands of starlings roost at Brandon Marsh and perform their amazing murmuration at sunset. If you'd like to see the murmuration we'd recommend making a day of your visit. Explore the nature reserve, enjoy refreshments in the cafe, then head out to watch the starlings.

    Please be considerate of wildlife upon your visit:

    ❌ Do not park on the driveway or block access.

    ❌ Do not walk into the reedbeds.

    ✅ Do park for free in our carpark!

    ✅ Do ask our team for the best viewing spots.

    ✅ Do arrive before 4pm if you'd like to visit the cafe.

    What is a murmuration?

    Something to look for in every season

    The Visitor Centre

    Relax in our peaceful orchard, climb inside a harvest mouse's nest in Mouse Manor, watch for your favourite birds from one of our hides and explore the education and sensory gardens.

    Younger children can hunt for hidden plaques on the brass rubbing trail to create colourful pictures on their rubbing sheet. Then it's off to the Nature Trails to explore the wildlife habitats of the nature reserve.

    If you're a first-time visitor, remember to ask at reception for a map!

    Events

    We run a fantastic range of events, from children's pond dipping to art exhibitions, guided walks, wildlife courses and Christmas crafts for adults. Learn a new skill like bushcraft or discover how to identify birds. Book your tickets online!

    Gift Shop

    Well-stocked with wildlife books, animal homes, bird seed, bird feeders and an extensive range of gifts and confectionery.

    The Education Centre

    Our purpose-built classroom welcomes school visits for a variety of curriculum-related activities. Outside we have a lovely education garden, with a mud kitchen for messy play. We also have children's activities during the school holidays.

    Hosting a meeting?

    Book our barn or other rooms for your meeting or conference! Find out more about our room rates and facilities available.

    Share Your Experience  

    Please share your experience of Brandon Marsh Nature Centre with others by posting your feedback on TripAdvisor

    Environmental designation

    Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

    Location map

    A map of Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve

    A map of Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve

    Download a large version of the Brandon Marsh map to print or store

    Download here