Farlington Marshes
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Farlington Marshes is the Trust’s oldest wildlife reserve. It is 125 hectares (308 acres) of flower-rich grazing marsh on the northern shore of Langstone Harbour between Portsmouth and Havant. Farlington is internationally important for the bird populations that it supports, as well as being a blaze of colour in spring and summer with many flowers and butterflies. |
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Feb/March/April 2010
Signs of spring are already evident as plants begin to emerge as the temperatures slowly start to rise. The rise in temperature will also be a cue for many of our wintering birds to start their return to their breeding grounds. Perhaps one of the most epic journeys will be that of the Dark bellied Brent geese as they head back to Siberia and the Tundra to breed, this epic journey will take some time so it is vital that the birds are in peak physical condition. The reserve has seen good numbers of geese on the grassland this winter showing that we had the management right with plenty of sweet luscious grass for the geese to feed on. As the Brent geese begin to move north so to will many of the other wildfowl species.
Whilst lots of birds will be leaving over the next couple of months there will be plenty of other species returning from wintering grounds as the spring passage kicks in. The reserve will soon be teeming with the sounds of bird song. Species including Skylark, Meadow pipit, Reed warbler and Sedge warbler will be heard singing around the reserve. It will be worth keeping an eye out for the aerial displays of Lapwing as they re-establish pairs. These birds nest out on the main marsh near water bodies.
In terms of management on site the rest of February will see the last of the scrub work taking place. Then we move into March and start fencing in preparation for the return of the cattle in the spring. It's a busy time as we try and get everything in place ready for another season.
There are Bird watch events taking place in January and February.
Recent sightings - and what you might find
The wildlife of Farlington Marshes and Langstone Harbour - in particular the birds - provide highlights through out the year. Jason Crook, the Trust's seasonal warden at the Oysterbeds, is a regular visitor to sites around the harbour and has set up a blog to record what he has seen.
Jason has birded this area for many years and has developed an understanding of many of the factors which determine when birds arrive and leave the area and what they will be doing when they are here. (Although he would be the first to admit that there is still plenty to learn!) In order to help visitors he has provided a bird watching Calendar, with an outlook of what may be seen in the coming days.
How to get there
Farlington Marshes is just south of the A27 between Portsmouth and Havant (Grid ref. SU 685 045). View a map.
Rail: Hilsea train station is 1½ miles from the reserve with trains from Fareham and Porchester every 30 minutes.
Bus: The 21 service runs from Portsmouth Harbour to Havant. The closest stop is by Farlington Sainsbury's (north of A27) which is a 15 + min walk to the reserve.
Cycle: The Portsmouth to Havant cycleway runs along the northern edge of the reserve on the south side of the A27. There are bike racks at each entrance.
Road: The western car park of Farlington Marshes can be reached from the eastern Portsmouth A27 roundabout (signed for the A2030). The track leading to Farlington is a small lane between the A27 westbound exit and the A2030 exit leading to Portsmouth. Take care on rejoining the roundabout, as the traffic is fast moving. For the eastern access to Farlington, park at the Broadmarsh Coastal Park and walk west along the coastal path. This car park is near the A27 Bedhampton exit. From the east, exit the A27 onto the A3(M). Take the first exit and follow signs for Broadmarsh Coastal Park.
Getting around
Several areas of the reserve are open access. See map for details.
The flat surfaced sea wall encloses the marsh on two sides with a surfaced cycleway to the north. The circular walk around the wall is about 4km long (approx. 2.5 miles) and takes in fantastic views over the marsh and across the harbour.
There are benches at 300m intervals around the sea wall, and gates with RADAR locks at the entrances.
Wellingtons or sturdy shoes may be needed if conditions are wet.
Please keep dogs on leads at all times.
Contact Information
Jamie Marsh, Solent Reserves Officer, tel: 01489 774429, mob: 07917 616696
