South Efford Marsh facts for kids

Quick facts for kids South Efford Marsh
Viewed from across the Avon
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Location	near Aveton Gifford
Area	17 hectares (42 acres)
Operated by	Devon Wildlife Trust
Website	South Efford Marsh

South Efford Marsh is a special nature reserve looked after by the Devon Wildlife Trust. It is located next to the River Avon. You can find it about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) southwest of a village called Aveton Gifford in Devon, England. It's a great place to see different kinds of wildlife, especially birds.

What is South Efford Marsh?

This nature reserve covers an area of 17 hectares (about 42 acres). The Devon Wildlife Trust takes care of the land. The Environment Agency bought the marsh in 2009. For a long time, since the 1780s, it was a grazing marsh. This means it was a grassy area where animals could eat by the river's mouth, called an estuary. A wall was built back then to hold the water back.

How the Marsh Works

In 2011, a special tidal gate was put in place. This gate lets sea water flow into the marsh when the tide is high. This helps create a mix of fresh and salty water. Now, the area has grassy fields (called pasture) and a growing saltmarsh. A saltmarsh is a coastal wetland that is regularly flooded by tides.

Sometimes, farmers bring cattle to graze in the marshy fields. This helps to keep down tall, rough plants. It makes sure the marsh stays healthy for the wildlife.

Exploring the Marsh

There is a walking path that goes around the northern part of the marsh. Visitors are asked not to go into the more open southern part. This is because many birds build their nests and find food there. It's important to give them space so they are not disturbed.

Birdwatching at the Marsh

South Efford Marsh is a fantastic spot for watching birds. There is a special bird hide at the end of the path. From inside the hide, you can look out and see birds all around without disturbing them.

Birds You Might See

The marsh has different types of places for birds to live. In the northern part, you might spot birds like the sedge warbler, reed bunting, and the colorful kingfisher. Along the banks of the river, look for linnets, whitethroats, and chiffchaffs.

In the southern part, where the water is a mix of salt and fresh water (called brackish water), you can see many wading birds. These include the black-tailed godwit, green sandpiper, and oystercatcher. It's a busy place for birds throughout the year!