Bowling Green Marsh RSPB reserve

Bowling Green Marsh is a nature reserve on the confluence of the River Exe and the River Clyst near Topsham in Devon. It is managed by the RSPB and covers an area of marshes and pools. The reserve sits at the top end of the Exe estuary, where fresh water meets the tide. The marsh is a major point of interest for birders across South West Britain. In winter, Siberian brent geese arrive to feed, and rare species are often present. Visitors include osprey, wigeon, teal, avocet and black-tailed godwit, along with many other waders. Otters have also been seen here, and rare vagrants like Barrow’s goldeneye occasionally stop on migration. A wheelchair-accessible bird hide stands on the marshes, and a viewing platform offers views down the estuary. Steps lead to the platform, which is reached from the reserve’s paths. The pools hold several fish species, adding to the reserve’s wildlife. The setting combines open water, wet grassland and tidal channels in a quiet corner of the estuary.