Hythe Spartina Marsh Nature Reserve

Oystercatchers along the shoreline

© Charlotte Goswell

Hythe Spartina Marsh Nature Reserve

Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Hythe Spartina Marsh is a small stretch of coastal habitat on the western side of Southampton Water. The edge of the reserve offers the best views of the flourishing birdlife.

Location

0.5 mile from Hythe
Hythe
Hampshire
SO45 6DF (to Shore Road)

OS Map Reference

SU 433 072
A static map of Hythe Spartina Marsh Nature Reserve

Know before you go

Size
10 hectares
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Entry fee

Donations welcome
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Parking information

The car park is on Shore Road south west of Hythe town centre.

Walking trails

The reserve is wet, under tidal influences and divided by creeks

Access

Via shore road, beware the area is tidal with soft underfoot conditions. Please check tide tables before visiting. The reserve is wet, under tidal influences and divided by creeks. Contact the Trust for disabled access information

Dogs

Under effective control

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

October to March

About the reserve

With saltmarsh, mudflats and creeks, this reserve is internationally recognised for its importance for birds, such as grey plover, dunlin, turnstone and curlew.

In winter, an abundance of wildfowl and wading birds, including oystercatcher and redshank, probe the soft mud and shallows in search of food.

In summer on the saltmarsh, cordgrass, sea purslane, sea lavender and sea aster are all in flower. These specialist plants are able to cope with being covered by sea water. 

Special Features

  • Large creeks divide the saltmarsh, where young fish hide from predators.
  • As the reserve is tidal, venturing on to the mudflats is not recommended, both for safety reasons and to ensure the birds are undisturbed.

Contact us

Martin Boxall

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Location map

Map key

Map Key