Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve

Wonderful nature reserve. Trails are marked, though some parts of the trail are very narrow. There are two car parks either end of the reserve. At the time of writing (31 May), the toilets are closed due to COVID-19.

This was amaxing. So much wild life. So relaxing. Easy parking. Plenty of areas to sit and take in the views. Hydes to watch birds from. Toilet facilities there. Free to enter. Donations only

Such a lovely peaceful place. From the main Stodmarsh car park, I walked past the reedbeds to the Grove Ferry end of the reserve and returned on the path alongside the river and then the lake. Mostly the signs are easy to follow but there was one point where it wasn't obvious where to go next. Mostly dry underfoot at the moment but I imagine it can get very wet. I liked the fact that you can just drop a donation into the box at the car park. You can take dogs except around the nature trail.

Really beautiful nature park with nice trails and great bird watching. Would highly recommend. The loop is around 4 miles and very flat (though muddy in the winter).

Only downside is that the parking facilities with toilets are located on a no-dog nature trail and when I went early in the morning the pub wasn't open so couldn't use their toilets.

It's not well-advertised but dog-owners should park at the Grove Ferry site and NOT at the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve Parking Site. You can't access the dog-friendly paths if you park at the Stodmarsh Parking (unless you're ok walking on the no-dog nature trail to get to the dog-friendly paths (and are happy to be glared at by everyone without dogs for doing so...)).

Fantastic wetland reserve. Lots of reeds and little copses. Great hides to watch the birds over the water. Paths are curated and elevated with a mixture of grass, dirt, pebble and wood across the marshy bits. Although there are warnings about rough terrain, my friends and I were able to navigate a decidedly not off-road pram with ease. Do the full walk and it’s a good hour or so at a gentle pace. No dogs encountered on our walk, only friendly twitchers. Free and accessible toilets in the car park.

Great for birdwatching. Great for the soul

A beautiful peaceful place to spend many hours walking taking photos and enjoying the great outdoors.
The trees are filled with many birds many varieties and the birdsong sounds amazing
Lovely walk around the lake lots to see sensible footwear a must.

Beautiful scenery, super quiet, amazing wildlife just a perfect place to wander!