Marazion Marsh

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Marazion Marsh Nature Reserve lies just behind the coastline of Mount's Bay, overlooking St Michael's Mount.

With Cornwall's largest reedbed, more than 250 bird, 500 plant, 500 insect and 18 mammal species have been recorded at this reserve.

In addition to the reedbed, the RSPB work to maintain the willow scrub and woodland for key birds and invertebrates, including Cetti’s warblers. The woodland includes ash, alder and willow.

GWR trains pass this wet woodland section of the RSPB reserve. The Marazion River (Red River) flows through the site.

Marazion Marsh is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Resident birds include Cetti's warblers and Little egrets.

One of the reserve's most observed species are the starlings who often roost here during the late autumn and winter months. Their daily murmurations at dusk attract many human visitors and the attention of predators such as buzzards and sparrowhawks.

Another regular winter visitor is the bittern, who stays here until the spring. Chiffchaffs also over-winter.

In spring you may see sand martins and the grey herons here make their nests in the reedbeds. Reed, sedge and willow warblers begin to arrive, joining the resident Cetti's warblers. You may also see whitethroats.

During the summer insect life abounds with colourful damselflies and dragonflies darting over the marsh. Fledgeling warblers, linnets and stonechats can be seen. In late summer many birds such as swifts begin their autumn migration. Swallows and martins roost in the reedbeds during during late summer nights.

As we head into autumn migrants arrive from the north. You are likely to see meadow pipits, wheatears, little egrets and water rails. If you are very lucky you may glimpse a spotted crake. The last of the swallows and martins hunt for food, swooping in search of insects before they fly south for the winter.

In winter look out for bittern as they fly from one fishing site to the next. You may also see them along the reed edges. Wintering chiffchaffs include the visually different greyer birds from continental Europe. Coot, water rails and moorhens are also present.

The best viewpoints are the seafront pavement, where a viewing bay inside the Cornish hedge overlooks the 'Sanctuary Area' pools and reedbeds.

Alternatively, following a path from the entrance gate will lead you to a viewing area which overlooks the front of the reedbed.

Marazion Marsh is open at all times and admission to the site is free (donations are always welcomed)

Dogs must be kept under control and do not allow them to enter the open water areas

To contact the warden:
Tel: 01736 360624
E-mail: marazion.marsh@rspb.org.uk


OS Explorer Map 102

Location:
Land's End Peninsula Area

Grid reference:
SW 510 312

Road directions to Marazion Marsh

Books online:
Click here to buy books online about Marazion Marsh

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