Jetty Marsh & Wharf Sidings Local Nature Reserve.

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Description: Jetty Marsh and Wharf Sidings Local Nature Reserve This reserve lies next to the River Teign and the Whitelake Channel where they run between Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton. Jetty Marsh is part of the River Teign floodplain and is an intimate mixture of reedbeds, grassland, scrub and tidal waters fringed by mudflats. The area is of great value as a wildlife corridor between the lowe River Teign and the Bovey Basin. The site has large reedbeds, which are a scarce habitat in Devon, together with blackthorn and bramble scrub, mature oak trees and herb rich grassland. Jetty Marsh marks the end of the Stover Canal transport system, as wells as its seaward end. Built by the Templer family between 1792 and 1820. There is historic interest at Jetty Marsh. It contains a disused canal basin where the old Stover Canal met the Whitelake Canal  and from there Templer`s clay and granite barges drifted or sailed down the Teign Estuary to the Port of Teignmouth. Wharf Road Sidings are a seperate part of the Local Nature Reserve in between the confluences of the Whitelake Channel and the River Lemon with the Teign. As the name suggests, Wharf Road Sidings also has its local interest. The wharfs and railway sidings serving Newton Abbot market and the old power station were located here. The site of this industrial past now provides a haven for wildlife and recreation. Over 150 different plant species have been reported and a wide range of butterflies, grasshoppers and dragonflies. Marbled white butterflies, azure damselflies, six-spot burnet moth and great green bush crikets are among the more striking insects that can been seen here. The area is also important locally for breeding birds, notably rare Cetti`s Warbler, which is a protected species. If you are lucky you may also spot  the Reed  and Sedge Warbler.The marsh is also used by othe birds as a roosting and over-wintering site.  Much of Jetty Marsh is level and the paths are well surfaced, so the site can cater for most wheelchairs, electric scooters and baby buggies. The site is used for quiet informal recreation, and is also an important local public place.You can use this open space for taking the dog for a walk, watching the wildlife, or as a starting point to exploring the River Teign or walking the Templer Way.   Local schools use the area for educational purposes and rangers lead vists and provide guided walks and events for local societies and the general public. Both parts of the Nature Reserve are within easy walking distance of Newton Abot town centre and can be reached from Newton Abbot Quay via the Templer Way which links the two parts of the reserve. There are also entrances from Wharf Road and from the middle roundabout on Jetty Marsh Road. There is no car park serving the site, but you will find numerous car parks in the Town of Newton Abbot. Facilities to be found around the site: * Dog Bins * Site information boards * Bench seats