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© Stephen Matthews

Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve

50.83333 , -1.02921

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK)

The reserve occupies a peninsula located in Langstone Harbour, the least developed of the three harbours surrounding the city of Portsmouth. It is owned by Portsmouth City Council and managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. A sea wall around the perimeter provides views of the marshes within and extensive mudflats on the outside. The northern part of the reserve contains scrub which supports passerines and owls, and is used for grazing of cattle. Along the northern edge is a broad track which used to be a racecourse.

The reserve is especially important for migrating shorebirds and wintering wildfowl. Forming part of the Chichester and Langstone Harbours Ramsar site, the reserve is one of the most important in the county of Hampshire. Over 220 species have been recorded.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Stephen Matthews : 50.8333/-1.0292 (2021-08-08 18:39:58 )

Site name was set by Stephen Matthews as "Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve" (2021-08-08 18:39:58 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-16 11:32:18
The reserve occupies a peninsula located in Langstone Harbour, the least developed of the three harbours surrounding the city of Portsmouth. It is owned by Portsmouth City Council and managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. A sea wall around the perimeter provides views of the marshes within and extensive mudflats on the outside. The northern part of the reserve contains scrub which supports passerines and owls, and is used for grazing of cattle. Along the northern edge is a broad track which used to be a racecourse. The reserve is especially important for migrating shorebirds and wintering wildfowl. Forming part of the Chichester and Langstone Harbours Ramsar site, the reserve is one of the most important in the county of Hampshire. Over 200 220 species have been recorded.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-08 19:15:19
The reserve occupies a peninsula located in Langstone Harbour, the least developed of the three harbours surrounding the city of Portsmouth. It is owned by Portsmouth City Council and managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. A sea wall around the perimeter provides views of the marshes within and extensive mudflats on the outside. The northern part of the reserve contains scrub which supports passerines and owls, and is used for grazing of cattle. Along the northern edge is a broad track which used to be a racecourse. The reserve is especially important for migrating shorebirds and wintering wildfowl. Forming part of the Chichester and Langstone Harbours Ramsar site, the reserve is one of the most important in the county of Hampshire. Over 200 species have been recorded.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-08 18:56:58
The reserve occupies a peninsula located in Langstone Harbour, the least developed of the three harbours surrounding the city of Portsmouth. is owned by Portsmouth City Council and managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. A sea wall around the perimeter provides views of the marshes within and extensive mudflats on the outside. The northern part of the reserve contains scrub which supports passerines and owls, and is used for grazing of cattle. Along the northern edge is a broad track which used to be a racecourse. The reserve is especially important for migrating shorebirds and wintering wildfowl. Forming part of the Chichester and Langstone Harbours Ramsar site, the reserve is one of the most important in the county of Hampshire. Over 200 species have been recorded.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Brant (Branta bernicla)
Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
Little Stint (Calidris minuta)
Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus)
Little Tern (Sternula albifrons)
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus)
Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti)
Lesser Whitethroat (Curruca curruca)
Greater Whitethroat (Curruca communis)
Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-03-31 11:37:10)

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-04-02 09:41:51)

Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-04-02 09:37:53)

Lesser Whitethroat (Curruca curruca) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-22 08:54:07)

Greater Whitethroat (Curruca communis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-22 08:53:50)

Little Tern (Sternula albifrons) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-08 19:42:03)

Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-08 19:32:13)

Little Stint (Calidris minuta) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-08 19:31:55)

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-08 19:29:54)

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-08 19:29:41)

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-08 19:29:27)

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-08 19:29:15)

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-08 19:29:02)

Brant (Branta bernicla) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-08 19:27:21)

Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-08 19:26:25)

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2021-08-08 19:26:12)

  • Timing and strategy

The reserve is productive throughout the year, but bird and species numbers are higher in winter when wildfowl are plentiful and at migration times, when shorebirds are numerous and rarities are most likely to be encountered. 

For shorebirds, a rising or falling tide is ideal as shorebirds will be feeding without being too far away as they might be at low tide. At high tide shorebirds may be seen roosting at the Lake or the Deeps.

The whole circuit of the reserve covers some 2.5 miles, for which at least a half day is recommended. Alternatively one can walk part of the sea wall from the western or eastern entrance and return the same way. Starting from the western entrance, within half a mile one will have a good view of the marshes and scrape.  A minimum of an hour and a half is recommended for such a visit.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-05-11 11:21
The reserve is productive throughout the year, but bird and species numbers are higher in winter when wildfowl are plentiful and at migration times, when shorebirds are numerous and rarities may are most likely to be encountered.  For shorebirds, a rising or falling tide is ideal as shorebirds will be feeding without being too far away as they might be at low tide. At high tide shorebirds may be seen roosting at the Lake or the Deeps. The whole circuit of the reserve covers some 2.5 miles, for which at least a half day is recommended. Alternatively one can walk part of the sea wall from the western or eastern entrance and return the same way. Starting from the western entrance, within half a mile one will have a good view of the marshes and scrape.  A minimum of an hour and a half is recommended for such a visit.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-04-02 09:39
The reserve is productive throughout the year, but bird and species numbers are higher in winter when wildfowl are plentiful and at migration times, when shorebirds are numerous and rarities may be encountered.  For shorebirds, a rising or falling tide is ideal as shorebirds will be feeding without being too far away as they might be at low tide. At high tide shorebirds may be seen roosting at the Lake or the Deeps. The whole circuit of the reserve covers some 2.5 miles, for which at least a half day is recommended. Alternatively one can walk part of the sea wall from the western or eastern entrance and return the same way. From Starting from the western entrance, within half a mile one will have a good view of the marshes and scrape.  A minimum of an hour and a half is recommended for such a visit.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-04-02 09:37
The reserve is productive throughout the year, but bird and species numbers are higher in winter when wildfowl are present plentiful and at migration times, when shorebirds are numerous and rarities may be encountered.  For shorebirds, a rising or falling tide is ideal as shorebirds will be feeding without being too far away as they might be at low tide. At high tide shorebirds may be seen roosting at the Lake or the Deeps. The whole circuit of the reserve covers some 2.5 miles, for which at least a half day is recommended. Alternatively one can walk part of the sea wall from the western or eastern entrance and return the same way. From the western entrance, within half a mile one will have a good view of the marshes and scrape.  A minimum of an hour and a half is recommended for such a visit.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-22 08:47
The reserve is productive throughout the year, but bird and species numbers are higher in winter when wildfowl are present and at migration times, when shorebirds are numerous and rarities may be encountered.  For shorebirds, a rising or falling tide is ideal as shorebirds will be feeding wihout without being too far away as they might be at low tide. At high tide shorebirds may be seen roosting in at the marshes and on Lake or the 'scrape'. Deeps. The whole circuit of the reserve covers some 2.5 miles, for which at least a half day is recommended. Alternatively one can walk part of the sea wall from the western or eastern entrance and return the same way. From the western entrance, within half a mile one will have a good view of the marshes and scrape.  A minimum of an hour and a half is recommended for such a visit.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-10 05:59
The reserve is productive throughout the year, but bird and species numbers are higher in winter when wildfowl are present and at migration times, when shorebirds are numerous and rarities may be encountered.  For shorebirds, a rising or falling tide is ideal as shorebirds will be feeding wihout being too far away as they might be at low tide. At high tide shorebirds may be seen roosting in the marshes and on the 'scrape'. The whole circuit of the reserve covers some 2.5 miles, for which at least a half day is recommended. Alterngatively Alternatively one can walk part of the sea wall from the western or eastern entrance and return the same way. From the western entrance, within half a mile one will have a good view of the marshes and scrape.  A minimum of an hour and a half is recommended for such a visit.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-08 19:38
The reserve is productive throughout the year, but bird and species numbers are higher in winter when wildfowl are present and at migration times, when shorebirds are numerous and rarities may be encountered.   For shorebirds, a rising or falling tide is ideal as shorebirds will be feeding wihout being too far away as they might be at low tide. At high tide shorebirds may be seen roosting in the marshes and on the 'scrape'. The whole circuit of the reserve covers some 2.5 miles, for which at least a half day is recommended. Alterngatively one can walk part of the sea wall from the western or eastern entrance and return the same way. From the western entrance, within half a mile one will have a good view of the marshes and scrape.  A minimum of an hour and a half is recommended for such a visit.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-08 19:14
The reserve is productive throughout the year, but bird and species numbers are higher in winter when wildfowl are present and at migration times, when shorebirds are numerous and rarities may be encountered. 
  • How to get there

The reserve is easily reached from the A27, a continuation of the M27 motorway linking Southampton and Portsmouth. Leave the A27 slowly at the Eastern Road exit and enter the reserve directly from the roundabout, taking the small exit immediately before the Eastern Road exit for Portsmouth.

The nearest railway station is Hilsea, about 1½ miles away via Anchorage Road and Eastern Road. One could also walk or cycle along the coast path from Harts Farm Way in Havant (Bedhampton railway station would be slightly closer than Havant, but is served by fewer trains).

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-03-31 11:25
The reserve is easily reached from the A27, a continuation of the M27 motorway linking Southampton and Portsmouth. Leave the A27 slowly at the Eastern Road exit and enter the reserve directly from the roundabout (taking roundabout, taking the exit small exit immediately before the Eastern Road exit for Portsmouth). Portsmouth. The nearest railway station is Hilsea, about 1½ miles away via Anchorage Road and Eastern Road. One could also walk or cycle along the coast path from Harts Farm Way in Havant (Bedhampton railway station would be slightly closer than Havant, but is served by fewer trains).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-22 08:54
The reserve is easily reached from the A27, a continuation of the M27 motorway linking Southampton and Portsmouth. Leave the A27 at the Eastern Road exit and enter the reserve directly from the roundabout (taking the exit immediately before the Eastern Road exit for Portsmouth). The nearest railway station is Hilsea, about 1½ miles away via Anchorage Road and Eastern Road. One could also walk or cycle along the coast path from Harts Farm Way in Havant (Bedhampton railway station would be slightly closer than Havant, but is served by fewer trains).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-22 08:46
The reserve is easily reached from the A27, a continuation of the M27 motorway linking Southampton and Portsmouth. Leave the A27 at Eastern Road and enter the reserve directly from the roundabout (taking the exit immediately before the Eastern Road exit for Portsmouth). The nearest railway station is Hilsea, about 1½ miles away via Anchorage Road and Eastern Road. One could also walk or cycle along the coast path from Harts Farm Way in Havant (the nearest (Bedhampton railway station would then be Bedhampton).slightly closer than Havant, but is served by fewer trains).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-08 19:18
The reserve is easily reached from the A27, a continuation of the M27 motorway linking Southampton and Portsmouth. Leave the A27 at Eastern Road and enter the reserve directly from the roundabout (taking the exit immediately before the Eastern Road exit for Portsmouth). The nearest railway station is Hilsea, about a mile about 1½ miles away via Anchorage Road and Eastern Road. One could also walk or cycle along the coast path from Harts Farm Way in Havant (the nearest station would then be Bedhampton).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-08 19:07
The reserve is easily reached from the A27, a continuation of the M27 motorway linking Southampton and Portsmouth. Leave the A27 at Eastern Road and enter the reserve directly from the roundabout (taking the exit immediately before the Eastern Road exit for Portsmouth). The nearest railway station is Hilsea, about a mile away via Anchorage Road and Eastern Road. One could also walk or cycle along the coast path from Harts Farm Way in Havant (the nearest station would then be Bedhampton).

The main entry point is at the west end near the car park on the sea wall, accessed via the roundabout linking the A27 and Eastern Road. Alternatively, one can enter at the eastern end by walking or cycling along the coast path from Havant via Broadmarsh, which can be accessed from Harts Farm Way. There is a cycleway from Portsmouth to Havant running along the south side of the A27. Cycling is not permitted along the sea wall inside the reserve, but bike racks are available.

The reserve is normally open at all times. Dogs are allowed on a leash only.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 05:19
The main entry point is at the west end near the car park on the sea wall, accessed via the roundabout linking the A27 and Eastern Road. Alternatively, one can enter at the eastern end by walking or cycling along the coast path from Havant via Broadmarsh, which can be accessed from Harts Farm Way. There is a cycleway from Portsmouth to Havant running along the south side of the A27. Cycing Cycling is not permitted along the sea wall inside the reserve, but bike racks are available. The reserve is normally open at all times. Dogs are allowed on a leash only.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-08 19:22
The main entry point is at the west end near the car park on the sea wall, accessed via the roundabout linking the A27 and Eastern Road. Alternatively, one can enter at the eastern end by walking or cycling along the coast path from Havant via Broadmarsh, which can be accessed from Harts Farm Way. The reserve Way. There is normally open at all times. a cycleway from Portsmouth to Havant running along the south side of the A27. Cycing is not permitted along the sea wall.wall inside the reserve, but bike racks are available. The reserve is normally open at all times. Dogs are allowed on a leash only.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-08 19:16
The main entry point is at the west end near the car park on the sea wall, accessed via the roundabout linking the A27 and Eastern Road. Alternatively, one can enter at the eastern end by walking or cycling along the coast path from Havant via Broadmarsh, which can be accessed from Harts Farm Way. The reserve is normally open at all times. Cycing is not permitt alng permitted along the sea wall. Dogs are allowed on a leash only.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-08 19:12
The main entry point is at the west end near the car park on the sea wall, accessed via the roundabout linking the A27 and Eastern Road. Alternatively, one can enter at the eastern end by walking or cycling along the coast path from Havant via Broadmarsh, which can be accessed from Harts Farm Way. The reserve is normally open at all times. Cycing is not permitt alng the sea wall. Dogs are allowed on a leash only.
  • Other attractions

A range of butterflies can be seen in the northwestern fields in summer, including Common Blue and Small Heath. Flowering plants include common spotted, southern marsh and pyramidal orchids.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-03-31 11:31
A range of butterflies can be seen in the northwestern fields in summer, including Common Blue and Small Heath. Flowering plants include common spotted, southern marsh and pyramidal orchids.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-03-31 11:30
A range of butterflies can be seen in the northwestern fields in summer.summer, including Common Blue and Small Heath.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-10 06:04
A range of butterflies can be seen in the northwestern fields in summer.

Bicycle racks are provided at each entrance. 

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-03-31 11:35
Bicycle racks are provided at each entrance. 

In winter the sea wall is exposed to cold winds. The northern part of the reserve suffers from noise from the busy A27 road.

At rush hours and other busy periods, rejoining the roundabout on driving out of the reserve can be perilous and one may need to wait some time for a break in the traffic.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-10-23 13:48
In winter the sea wall is exposed to cold winds. The northern edge part of the reserve suffers from noise from the busy A27 road. At rush hours and other busy periods, rejoining the roundabout on driving out of the reserve can be perilous and one may need to wait some time for a break in the traffic.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-13 09:56
In winter the sea wall is exposed to cold winds. The northern edge suffers from noise from the busy A27 road.road. At rush hours and other busy periods, rejoining the roundabout on driving out of the reserve can be perilous and one may need to wait some time for a break in the traffic.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-22 08:48
In winter the sea wall is exposed to cold winds. The northern edge suffers from noise from the busy A27 road.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2021-08-22 08:42
The northern edge suffers from noise from the busy A27 road.
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