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Description
Unusually for tidal estuaries this site is best watched at low tide (see the link to the tide table below). Tidal Mills are now extremely rare in the world, Eling Tide Mill is one of only two still operating in England, the Tide Mill Pond has paths with boardwalks on all sides.
Eling Great Marsh is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), whilst there is NO ADMITTANCE to the marsh itself, you get good views from the surrounding shore. Goatee Beach is almost like an urban park giving excellent views of the estuary and Eling Great Marsh. Bury Marsh is part of the Eling Great Marsh SSSI, it is situated further East and has different plant species with a wooded shoreline.
An alternative viewing area is across the River Test at Redbridge Wharf Park, near Redbridge Railway Station (Press STAR on map).
The area is well known for wading birds and there can be a lot of movement between this site and Lower Test Marshes (see separate entry), the area is crossed by electricity power lines, be sure to check pylons, depending on season Sivi soko and Ribar can often be seen before hunting.
NOTE: a telescope is essential for this site.
Details
Access
From Southampton on Redbridge Road A33, follow signs to A34W Totton. Cross River Test on Redbridge Causeway, stay in middle lane, continue on A35 now called Totton Bypass, get in Left hand lane. On passing under pedestrian footbridge (NOTE Eling Left sign here), turn next Left into Bartram Road. Continue and take second Left into School Road, continue on this road until junction, turn Right into Eling Lane. (*A) Continue on this road, on passing yacht marina (road seriously narrows), turn Left onto Toll Road (£1•00). At end of Toll Road turn Right signed Eling Cemetery/Car Park, Max Stay 20 Hours No Vehicle Over 3•5t Eling Car Park, the car park is on this road (Read Restriction Boards For Latest Information).
If traveling from the West on A35, on approaching Totton at roundabout follow signs to Southampton/Fawley (A326/Totton (South)/Eling/Matchwood. Continue on A35, stay in Left hand lane, at next roundabout (with large trees) take first exit (Totton Bypass), take second Left (unsigned) turning into Rumbridge Street. Continue on this street, take fourth turning Right into Eling Lane and pass under Totton Bypass, continue on Eling Lane and follow from (*A) above.