Autumn 2020 by David Goldsmith

Kingfisher by Dave Mount

Brandon Marsh by Anne Patterson

Brandon Marsh Steve Cheshire

Brandon Marsh

From 4.30pm on 23rd December to 10am on 28th December, Brandon Marsh will be closed to non-members of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. There will be no access to the car park or nature reserve. Please ensure your vehicle is out of the car park by 4.30pm on the 23rd December.

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust members will have access to the car park and nature reserve during this time, but please note that all facilities will be closed. Please use the gate code printed on your membership card for access. Thank you.

Brandon Marsh is well known for the variety and quality of its scenic pools, reedbeds, grassland and woodland. There are nine birdwatching hides throughout the reserve where you can often spot the resident wildlife including kingfishers, otters, bank voles and more.

Location

Brandon Lane

Coventry

CV3 3GW

OS Map Reference

SP 386 761

Get directions

Know before you go

Size

92 hectares

Entry fee

Adults - £4.5 | Concessions - £3.5 | Children (4+) - £3 | Family (2 adults, 3 children) - £12. FREE to Wildlife Trust members.

Parking information

Car park

Bicycle parking

Bike parking is available at Brandon Marsh but bikes cannot be used inside the reserve. Bikes are permitted across the road at Brandon Reach.

Grazing animals

Walking trails

View and download the map below to plan your walking route.

Brandon Marsh reserve map

The nature reserve is ideal for birdwatchers, walkers and families of all ages. Two surfaced trails make accessibility easier for those using buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters, during suitable weather conditions - these are the Kingfisher Trail, which takes around 40 minutes, and the Woodpecker Trail which takes 20 minutes. Explore the reserve and spot wildlife from one of our nine bird hides, keeping your eyes open for the muntjac deer and foxes which emerge from the woodland from time to time.

Access outside visitor centre opening times for members only. The reserve can get muddy and some areas are known to flood. Keep scrolling to download a map or pick up a copy from the visitor centre during opening hours.

Access

Relatively flat and wheelchair-friendly, with some wheelchair accessible paths. Some areas can be muddy. Induction loop system in visitor centre.

Visiting in winter

As Brandon Marsh is a wetland reserve, during heavy rain some areas of the reserve may become inaccessible. This includes paths to the bird hides. Please bring appropriate footwear and contact our Visitor Centre team before your visit if you need to check the access.

Mobility scooters are free to loan

If you would like to loan a mobility scooter to use during your visit to Brandon Marsh then please phone the visitor centre in advance to make your booking - there is no charge for your loan. We are unable to loan the scooters out during wet weather.

Dogs

Assistance dogs only

Facilities

Visitor centre

Bird hides

Toilets

Shop

Cafe/refreshments

Picnic area

Accessible toilet

Baby changing facilities

Outdoor play area

Electric car charging point

Wifi

Disabled parking

When to visit

Opening times

Winter opening hours (1 Oct - 31 March): 9.30am - 4.00pm Monday-Friday | 10am - 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday.

Summer opening hours (1 April - 30 Sept): 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday-Friday | 10am - 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday.

Bank holidays: weekend hours apply.

See below for our festive opening hours.

Best time to visit

April to October

About the reserve

Festive opening hours and access notice

The visitor centre, café and shop will be open:

Dec 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th, CLOSED
Dec 28th, 10:00 - 16:00
Dec 29th, 10:00 - 16:00
Dec 30th, 09:30 - 16:00
Dec 31st, 09:30 - 14:00
Jan 1st, 10:00 - 16:00

Brandon Marsh is well known for the variety and quality of its pools, reedbeds, grassland and woodland. The large pools were created by gravel extraction and attract a huge variety of birds and other wildlife. There are nine hides throughout the reserve where you can get up close to the resident wildlife.

Become a member and enjoy free entry all year round!

We're now asking to see membership cards when you enter Brandon Marsh, so we can monitor visitor flow. Just ask staff for further details. Thank you for your co-operation.

Become a member

Brandon Marsh Café

We’re pleased to announce that Brandon Marsh café is now open for hot and cold drinks, light bites and snacks. Now serving toasties, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, bacon and sausage baps, and vegan sausage baps. Gluten-free options available.

The Café is open from Monday to Sunday:

Monday - Friday: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 4.30pm

View the Café menu

Something to look for in every season

The Visitor Centre

Relax in our peaceful orchard, climb inside a harvest mouse's nest in Mouse Manor, watch for your favourite birds from one of our hides and explore the education and sensory gardens.

Younger children can hunt for hidden plaques on the brass rubbing trail to create colourful pictures on their rubbing sheet. Then it's off to the Nature Trails to explore the wildlife habitats of the nature reserve.

If you're a first-time visitor, remember to ask at reception for a map!

Events

We run a fantastic range of events, from children's pond dipping to art exhibitions, guided walks, wildlife courses and Christmas crafts for adults. Learn a new skill like bushcraft or discover how to identify birds. Book your tickets online!

Gift Shop

Well-stocked with wildlife books, animal homes, bird seed, bird feeders and an extensive range of gifts and confectionery.

The Education Centre

Our purpose-built classroom welcomes school visits for a variety of curriculum-related activities. Outside we have a lovely education garden, with a mud kitchen for messy play. We also have children's activities during the school holidays.