Lymington Reedbeds Nature Reserve

Wonderfully wild reedbeds home to a host of fascinating wildlife

Location

On east edge of Lymington, North of the toll bridge

Lymington

Hampshire

SO41 9LJ (to layby in Marsh Lane)

OS Map Reference

SZ 324 965

Know before you go

Size

31 hectares

Entry fee

Donations welcome

Walking trails

Unsurfaced paths can be very wet and muddy

Access

The site can be accessed from Marsh Lane or Ampress industrial park on the west side, or from Under Shore Road on the east.

A bridleway runs along the north eastern edge of the site (this can get very wet in places). There is a footbath up the west side with an access point opposite the allotments on Marsh Lane. This runs through the wet woodland and the path can be very muddy.

Dogs

Dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Sumer is an excellent time to visit as you may see otters, water voles, Cetti’s warblers and snipes.

About the reserve

Lymington Reedbeds nature reserve is home to a range of fascinating species. Sea birds are abundant and warblers sing all through the year. Migratory birds return to the reedbeds time after time, and during the winter the reserve come to life with waders and water fowl. If you’re lucky, you may even spot an otter or a water vole.

Whether you’re a keen birder or simply looking to reconnect with nature, Lymington Reedbeds Nature Reserve is a wonderful place to visit.

In the spring, vibrant marsh-marigold bring a welcome splash of colour to the reserve and the air is filled with the songs of sedge and reed warblers.

As autumn arrives, watch migrant birds such as yellow wagtail, swallow and martins build up their food stores and rest among the reeds before they depart for warmer climes.

Listen for the strange, pig-like squeals of water rail in the winter and look for snipe feeding within the shelter of the reedbeds.

Special Features:

Otter swim along the river here and you may find clues that one has been close by, such as spraint or footprints.
In the more open areas of wet meadow, summer heralds the flowering of water mint, gipsywort and yellow loosestrife.Otter swim along the river here and you may find clues that one has been close by, such as spraint or footprints. In the more open areas of wet meadow, summer heralds the flowering of water mint, gipsywort and yellow loosestrife.