About the reserve

The nature 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. Thanks for your co-operation!

Find out more about membership here

What can I do?

• Listen for birdsong
• Bird watch from our hides
• Build a den in the woods
• Enjoy tea and cake in the tea room
• Seek out fungi
• Become a minibeast detective
• Watch the serene swans 

Something to look for in every season

• Spring spotter sheet
• Summer flowers  or Summer woodland spotter sheet 
• Autumn spotter sheet 
• Winter woodland spotter sheet 

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 Badger's Kitchen

Enjoy lunch or a delicious homemade cake and cuppa whilst watching the birds on our busy feeders. Gluten free and vegan options are available. For more details visit the team's website here.

View the menu. 

View the children's menu. 

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, and host Really Wild Birthday Parties.

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  

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