Future of Farlington Marshes

Farlington Marshes is the largest remaining area of grazing marsh in Langstone Harbour; it provides a haven for a wide range of wildlife and is particularly recognised by the public for the bird life it supports. The importance of the site for its wildlife value can not be over emphasised.

In what is predominantly an urban area, Farlington is a vital area of green space supporting a wide range of wildlife. The site is nationally important for all of the habitats and species it supports and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Farlington is also recognised as of European Importance for its birdlife as part of a Special Protection Area (SPA) and for its lagoon habitats (Special Area of Conservation). At a global level Farlington is recognised as being a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.. There are spectacular displays of wildlife including the flocks of wintering dark bellied Brent Geese. Some 25% of the world's population of these Geese is supported by the estuaries and harbours of the Solent coast.

The Farlington Marshes were embanked from the sea in the late 18th century. The site has had 200 years of grazing without the use of artificial fertilisers or pesticides leading to the diverse ecology found across the site today.

However the site which is enclosed by a sea wall is now under threat from issues such as global warming, changing weather patterns and rising sea levels, and the future of the reserve is in jeopardy. The sea is now threatening to take back the reserve and revert it back to mudflats and small islets.

The site falls under the Portchester to Emsworth Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Strategy, and serious decisions are still going to have to be made as to how the site is managed in the future: Will the site be maintained as a coastal defence? Will the site be reduced in size? Or will the site be lost and a new defence built to protect in land roads, rail and housing? There are no easy answers and all options are incredibly costly.  It can not be emphasised enough the importance of the reserve for the wildlife it supports. If the site is lost it could be disastrous for many species.

However, it's not only wildlife that would be affected as the amenity value of the site is incredibly important. Farlington Marshes offers a green space in what is primarily a very urban area. It is an area for people to come and enjoy and learn about the wildlife that can be seen.

What the future holds for the site remains to be seen, the Trust is supporting the proposal to defend the Marshes whilst information can be gathered to ensure whatever the future of the Farlington turns out to be, that it is a well-informed choice.