Bowling Green Marsh is on the east bank of the Exe Estuary, within easy walking distance of both Topsham High Street and our shop at Darts Farm. It overlooks the Clyst and allows over-wintering birds a choice of safe roosting sites as the rising tide pushes them off the mudflats. 

It's the main high tide roost for the north of the estuary and one of the best places to watch birds in south-west England. You can see large numbers of waterbirds at very close range in winter - hundreds of black-tailed godwits and wigeons feed close to the hide. Throughout the year, the open water attracts many different species of wetland birds; little grebes, mute swans and a variety of ducks breed here. 

As there isn't a car park onsite (except for Blue badge holders), the 'By car' directions take you to the near by Holman Way car park

By bicycle (Sustrans cycle route)

National Cycle Network 2

By train

Topsham station (Exeter to Exmouth line). From the station turn right, then right again into Elm Grove Road, walk along Elm Grove Road into Bowling Green Road. Cross the small stone bridge and follow this road as it twists its way to the hide.

By bus

Using the 57 service (Exeter to Exmouth) to Topsham's Elm Grove Road stop: walk along Elm Grove Road into Bowling Green Road. Cross the small stone bridge and follow this road as it twists its way to the hide. Note: the Elm Grove bus stop is only one stop away from that for the RSPB Shop at Darts Farm.

By road

On the eastern side of the Exe Estuary, 5 miles (8 km) south of Exeter and 6.5 miles (10.8 km) north of Exmouth. Bowling Green Hide is on Bowling Green Road, Topsham. No verge side parking. Please use Topsham's Holman Way (see 'By car' for directions) or The Quay car parks. From Holman Way car park turn left and walk via Monmouth Avenue and Monmouth Street (RSPB sign) to Bowling Green Road (12 minute walk along delightful country lanes). From Topsham Quay car park, walk along the Strand, then the Goatwalk, which leads into Bowling Green Road (15 minute walk with stunning estuary views).