Bowling Green Road, Topsham, Devon, EX3 0BE

RSPB Bowling Green Marsh

Marsh

Place photograph

6.7

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WetlandRiversideEstuaryBirdwatchersWildlife loversPhotographersFamilies

Why it's Wildland

6.7

At the meeting of the Exe and Clyst, a hide looks out over a marsh that becomes especially busy with wintering waders and wildfowl.

The appeal here is the close, sheltered view into a working wetland landscape: from the Lookout, visitors can watch migrating birds and winter flocks without entering the lagoon or grazing marsh. It is a distinctive birdwatching stop, particularly in autumn and winter.

Peaceful · Wildlife-rich · Big-sky

Find your way

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Bowling Green Road, Topsham, Devon, EX3 0BE

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The experience

Come for the Lookout’s view over the wetland, especially in autumn and winter when flocks gather to feed and roost. If you want a longer outing, continue beneath the railway bridge to RSPB Goosemoor or take the elevated track towards Darts Farm.

Things to do

Watch birds from the Lookout

Use the hide to watch birds on the marsh. RSPB highlights spring and autumn migrants, and winter flocks of waders, ducks and geese.

Continue to RSPB Goosemoor

Visit the neighbouring reserve by heading under the railway bridge from Bowling Green Marsh.

Scan for birds from the elevated track

Walk or cycle along the elevated track towards Darts Farm. RSPB identifies viewpoints along the way for watching wetland birds.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Check before visiting

Quick marsh birdwatch

01
Check the RSPB’s current opening information for the Lookout; opening is subject to volunteer availability.
02
Visit the Lookout hide and scan the marsh for feeding or roosting birds.
03
Stay within designated viewing areas; there is no public access to the lagoon or grazing marsh.

Half day · Check before visiting

Two reserves and an elevated-track birdwatch

01
Start at Bowling Green Marsh and use the Lookout to watch the wetland birds.
02
Continue beneath the railway bridge to RSPB Goosemoor.
03
Walk or cycle along the elevated track towards Darts Farm, stopping at viewpoints to look for wetland birds.

Hidden details

Winter high-tide roosts — RSPB notes that hundreds of curlews and flocks of redshanks, greenshanks and dunlins arrive to use high-tide roosting spots. Look for birds gathering to feed or rest across the marsh.

When to go

October · November · December · January · February · March · Check tide information and current Lookout opening arrangements before visiting; RSPB notes that winter birds use high-tide roosts.

Autumn and winter bring overwintering waders, ducks and geese. Spring and autumn are also useful seasons for watching migrating birds.

Devon weather can be changeable. The source row recommends checking the forecast and dressing accordingly.

Worth pairing with

RSPB Goosemoor

A neighbouring reserve east of Bowling Green Marsh, reached by heading beneath the railway bridge.

Elevated track towards Darts Farm

RSPB recommends the track for panoramic reserve views and birdwatching stops. Darts Farm is also listed by RSPB as having an RSPB shop and toilets for patrons.

What to look for

In autumn and winter, scan the marsh for feeding and roosting waders, including redshanks, greenshanks, dunlins and curlews. Along the elevated track towards Darts Farm, look for black-tailed godwits and little egrets.

Best time to go

Autumn and winter for large gatherings of waders, ducks and geese; spring and autumn migrations also bring good birdwatching.

Autumn and winter are the busiest seasons for overwintering birds. RSPB says the Lookout is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm, subject to volunteer availability; check before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Birdwatchers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families

Practical information

Opening & access

RSPB reserve beside Topsham, at the junction of the River Exe and River Clyst. There is no public access to the lagoon or grazing marsh; use the designated viewing areas and check current reserve information before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

RSPB lists council pay-and-display parking at Holman Way and the Quay in Topsham; a Blue Badge space is just outside the hide. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Nearest public toilets are at the Quay in Topsham, approximately 0.75 mile (1 km) away. RSPB also lists toilets at Darts Farm for patrons.

Food & drink

No on-site catering is listed. Topsham and Darts Farm are nearby; check opening arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on a lead on the permissive path to the Clyst viewing platform. Only registered assistance dogs are allowed in the Lookout; dogs are not welcome in the wildlife garden.

Accessibility

RSPB lists a Blue Badge space just outside the hide and an accessible toilet at Topsham Quay. Check current path and hide access details before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Marsh, River Exe, River Clyst and Exe Estuary. No swimming or paddling permission is evidenced.