Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve 1 – Grove Ferry
This walk passes through an area of the reserve that used to flood naturally. In the 1930s and 40s, it was drained to create turf fields. Since 1995, it has been reverted to wetland and is managed by Natural England.
There are fantastic views over Feast’s Lake and the reedbeds and if you are lucky you may catch sight of reed warblers, bearded tits and red buntings.
Step by step guide
Start from the car park, take care in crossing the road and enter the reserve via the access ramp.
The path to the left leads to a viewing area over the reserve, keep going straight ahead to continue the walk.
Turn right here to visit Turf Fields Hide, or keep straight ahead to continue the walk.
At the T-junction turn left and continue to a second bird hide on the left-hand side. To return to the car park, turn right out of the bird hide and re-trace the path back to the start point.
From the car park, take the path opposite the toilets marked ‘Nature Trail'.
After the second bridge turn left then keep going straight ahead.
Turn left at the T-junction and keep going, if you wish to extend the walk (0.3 mile) follow the instructions below. But if you've had enough for today, just retrace your steps.
After the second bridge turn left then immediately right to cross another footbridge.
Continue through the woodland and into reed beds.
Shortly after the boardwalk turn left at the T-junction.
Keep going straight ahead to rejoin with the shorter walk.
If you wish to visit the accessible bird hide in the reed bed, turn right here. Otherwise continue to the left and return to the car park
