Bowling Green Marsh Wildlife Walk

Bowling Green Marsh (or BGM as it is sometimes referred) is a small nature reserve looking out over the Exe Estuary and surrounding landscape. Here, you can find several bird hides (both indoor and outdoor) perfect for spotting wetland species as they fly in with the tides. Located just a short distance from Dartsfarm retail centre it is the perfect place to enjoy a stroll before or after a delicious lunch or coffee break.  The area is home to a number of different wader species, as well as different ducks, herons, geese, and the occasional rarity -depending on when you choose to visit.

To see the OS version of this walk, click here.

• Note: Parking is limited to only two disabled bays directly outside the hide- it is best to park at Dartsfarm (free) and walk to the reserve. The route also works as a cycle path, with bike parking available at the main hide.

• Distance: 2.3 miles
• Type: linear
• Ascent: n/a
• Time: 1 hour

Start

The route begins at the carpark, opposite the entrance to Dartsfarm Cotswolds outdoor shop. It is free parking here, and after your walk you can check out the RSPB shop on the second floor above the Cotswolds Outdoor area. You are then going to follow the trail out of the carpark and towards the traffic light crossing. Before taking the left path marked Exe Estuary trail.  

Bridge

The trail will lead you past several houses and other buildings. You can look out here for smaller birds such as robins and blackbirds in the hedgerow. This path will lead you to a large bridge running alongside the railway line, crossing the bridge you can look out at some older boats and mudflats where you can spot the occasional wader. Otherwise continue along the route onto the wooden walkway.

Walkway

The walkway mirrors another part of the reserve where you can see through several lookout holes positioned along the path. Be careful here when it’s wet as it can be quite slippery!

Onto the reserve

As you reach the end of the wooden walkway the path converges under a small bridge, and then turn left at the crossroads following the sign for Bowling Green Marsh reserve. This part of the path is a road so be mindful of the occasional car. Follow this road until you reach the main wildlife hide and small garden area. Here you can enjoy the public side of the hide as well as the cosier RSPB area which occasionally serves teas and cakes! There is also a few volunteer RSPB members here who can offer advice on what to look out for on your visit.  

Outdoor viewpoint

If you fancy a different view of the estuary then you can leave the hide and continue heading down the road, before reaching a metal gate leading off to a path on the left. If you go through this gate and follow the short path you can reach a second look out point with a wider view of the estuary.

Return walk to Dartsfarm

Once you have finished admiring the birds on the estuary, you will need to retrace your steps back the way you came to Dartsfarm. If you haven’t already, I can recommend checking out the RSPB shop above the Cotswold Outdoor area. They have lots of different birding supplies including a range of optics available to test out. The different cafes in Dartsfarm are also perfect for a spot of post birdwatching brunch!