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Lower Test Marshes Nature Reserve

Hampshire  >  United Kingdom

Lower Test Marshes are between the western edge of the city of Southampton and the town of Totten in South Hampshire.

Added* by Baz Willmott
Most recent update 3 oktobar 2022
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Description

Lower Test Marshes is one of the best places to see wintering planinska trepteljka ​​​​​(double figures some years) especially from the Test Way Crossing (BE WARNED - HIGH TIDES CAN COVER THIS CROSSING). Also during Winter Zviždara, Krdža, Mali gnjurac, Crnotrba sprutka, Ostrigar, Vivak, Muljača, Sprudnik pijukavac, Crvenonogi sprudnik, Čižak and Mala brezova juričica, can be expected. Also the area is good for Eja močvarica, Ribar, Žalar slepić, Mala carska šljuka, Polojka, Trstenjak rogožar, Trstenjak crvrkutić, Sivi soko (check overhead pylons), Barski petlovan, Vodomar, Šarena utva, Barska strnadica, Svilorepi cvrčić, Žuta pliska, Obična crvenrepka, Kos ogrličar and Crnovrata muharica all depending on season.

The reserve has a mixture of both fresh and saltwater, with rough meadow pasture (Be Aware - livestock may be present), large reedbeds, saltmarsh, Willow (Salix) and Alder (Alnus) and some tree cover on it's Western side. The Test Way footpath/boardwalk crosses the reserve (WARNING - HIGH TIDES CAN COVER THIS CROSSING), there are 'Scrapes' with a hide and 'blinds' in the South.

For more information PRESS Stars on Map.

Details

Access

From the North on M271 head South to large Redbridge roundabout, near end of motorway get in Right hand lane marked A35W. After going under flyover on roundabout get in Left hand lane A35W, follow sign to Totten, (*A) after passing over Redbridge Causeway Bridge stay in Left hand lane now marked A36 signed Totten Town Centre. Continue on this road now called Commercial Road and on reaching Town Centre roundabout take third exit signed Police Station/Toilets, on passing Police Station (on Left) take next Left into Testwood Lane, Testvale Car Park (Free - But Time Restrictions Apply) is on the Left just after the Ambulance and Fire Stations. If traveling from Southampton, leave Westwards on A33, on passing over Redbridge Causeway Bridge follow from (*A) above.

For Test Way Crossing there is closer parking (Limited Spaces) near The Salmon Leap Pub (press STAR on map) near the entrance to garden allotments (Do Not Block Access).

There is a one car pull in on a bend in the North of the site. Click on a P in the map to get directions to that point.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Lake , Mud flats , Agriculture , City/village , Reedbeds , Sea , River , Valley , Grassland

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 , Summer , Spring migration , Autumn migration , Autumn , Spring

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

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Map

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