| OS map: NZ586 247 |
Contact: 01287 636382 |
Coatham marsh is a 134 acre (54ha) reserve with wetland features that attract a diverse and important number of birds These features include two large lakes fringed with phragmites and low-lying marsh areas which are prone to flooding but are also useful areas of exposed mud for waders to feed on. SPRING is often headed by the return of the shelduck that come to the Tees Estuary to breed, but Coatham is also a good place for spring migrants on the passage and anything can turn up. In the past this has included wood sandpiper, Temminck's stint, black redstart and ever a stone curlew. SUMMER sees the return of the sedge warblers as well as grasshopper warblers in some years. But summer is when the grasslands come into their own with swathes of marsh orchids and small groups of bee orchids appearing, as well as yellow rattle, eyebright and knapweeds. AUTUMN is again a time for the birds with migrants returning to their wintering grounds. Species to look out for are the odd ruff, black-tailed godwit, and curlew sandpiper. WINTER is the time for wildfowl with large numbers of wigeon and teal over wintering on the flooded grasslands as well as shoveler, gadwall, tufted duck and pochard.
| Best For |
Fox, stoat, water vole, Canada goose, lapwing, snipe, dunlin, skylark, wheatear, reed bunting, linnet, merlin, sparrowhawk, coot, ruddy duck and little grebe. Fragrant orchid, adders-tongue fern, purple milk vetch, yellow wart, harebell, tansy, common spike grass. |
| Opening Times |
Open all year. |
| Access/Conditions |
The paths are mostly surfaced. The section along the Fleet towards Kirkleatham Lane is prone to flooding in the winter. The path between the car park & the footbridge is suitable for wheel chair access. |
| Facilities |
Two hides, WC on the seafront at Redcar |
| How to get there |
Off the A1085 (redcar to middlesbrough). At the crossroads with Kirkleatham Lane, turn left & heard up to the next mini roundabout. Turn left onto Tad Point Road & continue over the railway bridge. The reserve is on the left. |
| Parking |
Limited free car parking on the reserve off Tod Point Road. Public car park on the seafront on Manjuba Road. |
| Walking time |
134 acre (54ha) reserve. The full circuit with stops at the hides takes about 1.5 hours. |
| 30 minute visit |
Follow the footpath through the meadow & head towards the hide on Middle Marsh.
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| Local Attractions |
Nearby south gare is a good spot for rarities and the sand dues have great botanical intrest./td>
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| Did you know? |
Coatham marsh is the site of a battle between the saxons and the normans during william the conqueror's "harrying of the north". Some of the smaller mounds on Middle Marsh are remnants of medieval salt workings. |
| A member says |
"Coatham marsh is one of those places where you always find something to see no matter what time of year you go. In spring and summer you can expect good views of orchids and dragonflies, and in the winter it's the birds"
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