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Calshot Marshes - Ashlett Creek - Calshot Spit

Hampshire  >  United Kingdom

Calshot Marshes and area is on the Western shore of Southampton Water in South Hampshire.

Added* by Baz Willmott
Most recent update 6 november 2022

Description

Since the former power station at Fawley was demolished, the area is going through big changes, housing is planned to be built, offset by improved habitats for birds. NOTE during the building and habitat improvements some paths may be temporarily closed or rerouted. The North side of Calshot Spit has extensive saltmarsh and mudflats, to the South of the Spit at low tide is mud mixed with stones. During Winter Knortegås, Gravand, Pibeand, Krikand, Spidsand, Toppet Lappedykker, Lille Lappedykker, Toppet Skallesluger, Strandskade, Stor Præstekrave, Strandhjejle, Stor Kobbersneppe, Storspove, Almindelig Ryle, Rødben, Hvidklire and Mudderklire are common in various numbers. Landbirds include Sydlig Nattergal (in small numbers) and good numbers of Vestlig Sortstrubet Bynkefugl, Cettisanger, Rørspurv, Provence-sanger, Skærpiber and Dompap. During Summer Sivsanger, Rørsanger, Gærdesanger are present. For birds feeding on saltmarsh or mudflats a visit 2-3 hours before/after high tide is best (see link to tide table below). The high tide roost is marked on map, press STARS for more information.

Details

Access

Leave Southampton Westwards on A35, on Totton Bypass. At roundabout take first exit signed Fawley A326, at Dibden roundabout take second exit signed Fawley/Hardly/Dibden Purlieu/Superstore A326, at next roundabout take second exit signed Fawley/Holbury/Hardly/Dibden Purlieu A326. At Dibden Purlieu roundabout take second exit signed Fawley/Hardly/Holbury A326, at Hardly roundabout take third exit signed Fawley/Blackfield/Holbury A326. At next roundabout take first exit signed Calshot/Fawley B3053, continue on B3053 road, on passing through Calshot (BE AWARE OF ONE WAY ROADS). On approaching beach road (called Jack Maynard Road) turn Left, continue on this road with beach huts, car park (Fee Payable) is on the Right.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , River , Sea , Reedbeds , City/village , Agriculture , Mud flats , Beach , Wetland

Conditions

Flat , Wet , Slippery , Open landscape , High water possible

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migration

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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