Walks

OS: SZ 857964

Postcode:  PO20 7NE

Duration: All day. Bring lunch.

Leader: Malcolm Toyer

Directions: From the A27 Chichester bypass, take the B1245 to Sidlesham. Continue on the B2145 for 1½ miles to the RSPB Pagham Harbour car park, signposted on left.  Meet here and use facilities then car share and transfer to Earnley car park on Drove Lane for Medmerry, postcode PO20 7JL.  Depending on time, we can also look in at the Ferry Pool hide at Pagham.

Habitat:  Flat walk through farmland to the coast with views over salt marsh and freshwater pools.  Medmerry was constructed between 2012 and 2013 as part of a major coastal realignment project by the Environment Agency. It opened in 2013 to provide flood protection and create 183 hectares of new intertidal habitat. The site, which replaces former 1960s sea defences, now acts as a natural buffer, featuring a 7 km embankment. 

Attractions: Waders, Raptors and general farmland birds such as Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting.  Sea Ducks and Divers in winter

Amenities: Toilets at car park (RSPB reception serves hot drinks).  No facilities at Medmerry

Start at RSPB Pagham Harbour car park and then transfer and car share to smaller car park at Earnley

OS: SU 912457

Postcode:  GU3 1BG

Duration: Half day walk.

Leader: Nick Baxter

Directions: From Puttenham church turn left by pub. After 2 miles before the road passes between two lakes, turn right and park in the Middle Car Park.

Habitat: Paths sandy with little mud, steep in places.

Attractions: Mandarin, woodlark, various lake, woodland and heathland species according to season. Winter finches (and firecrest) possible.

Amenities: No facilities

Please bring appropriate clothing and footwear for conditions on the day which can be subject to change at any time. You will be expected to use the walk in such a way as not to place yourselves or others at risk and to follow all requirements set by the walk leader.

OS: SU 757048
Post Code: PO10 8DB

Duration:  Half day or all day walk (2 or 4 miles)

Leader:  John Curtin

Directions:  From A3(M) take A27 to Emsworth turn-off, then A259 through Emsworth. In ½ mile turn right (signed MoD) into Thorney Road and park on the left in Thornham Lane.  There are limited parking spaces so car sharing where possible is encouraged.

Habitat:  Walking on firm paths along harbour edge. Can be muddy.  This walk offers an option to cover an initial 2 miles only or continue for a total of four miles for those feeling more energetic.  This is a modified route rather than a full circle around the island.

Attractions:  Good selection of estuary and grassland birds including waders, ducks, possibly divers.  Raptors over grassland, possibly owls in winter.  Ospreys are regular in autumn and Wheatear and Winchat on passage.

Amenities:  Toilets in Emsworth town centre.

Postcode:  RH20 2EL

Duration: Half day walk.

Leader: Richard Morris

Directions: Take A283 to Pulborough. 2 miles south of Pulborough turn right into RSPB Reserve car park.

Habitat: Firm paths throughout, with hides and lookouts over flooded brooks (2 mile walk).

Attractions: Birds vary through year, with ducks and waders, migrant warblers, nightingales, woodpeckers and occasional raptors.

Amenities: Toilets in RSPB Information Centre. Bring lunch or use café.

Info: https://rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks

OS: TQ 084514

Postcode KT24 6EP

Duration:  Half day walk

Leader:  Sara Shepley

Directions:  Take A246 from Guildford. At West Horsley roundabout turn right. Use the Shere Road car park on left after ¾ mile.

Habitat:  Easy walking conditions (2 miles), but can be muddy.

Attractions:  Good for fungi in autumn and butterflies in summer

Amenities:  No facilities on site

Information:  Surrey Wildlife Trust

OS: SZ 766984
Post Code: PO20 8AT

Duration:  All day walk, bring lunch to have mid-day

Leader:  John Curtin

Directions:
Take A286 from Chichester to West Wittering, then turn right to Beach. Meet in far car park at entrance to East Head. Car park charge currently £2.50 booked in advance with JustPark

Habitat:
Regular early winter site. If early high tide, start with Lagoons then East Head. If early low tide, start at East Head.  Flat paths, on beach, sand dunes and footpath.

Attractions:
Sanderling, other waders, sea birds and ducks. Chance of snow bunting in winter.

Amenities:
Toilet facilities at car park.

Information:  https://www.westwitteringestate.co.uk

OS: SU 717029
Post Code: PO9 1RD (Ship Inn)

Duration:  All day walk

Leader:  Geoff Keen

Directions:
Turn off A27 onto Langstone Road and left into Ship Inn car park just before Langstone Bridge, for initial stop and toilets. Waders can often be seen on the mud here and all along the walk from there towards the seawall

Then drive over the bridge and turn right after 300 yards by the second petrol station signed Nature Reserve (brown sign) to small car park near oysterbeds. Alternatively turn left directly opposite this car park and find a space by the houses if the Nature Reserve car park is busy.

Habitat:
Firm paths at both sites, but can be muddy if wet.  Expanses of mud in estuary, views of the sea in Langstone Harbour, oysterbeds with lagoons.  Mill pond and open fields, woodland and scrub.

Attractions:
Winter wader flocks at high tide roost, sea ducks, grebes, geese and gulls, egret roost.

Amenities:
No facilities at The Oysterbeds but there are public toilets on the road outside the Ship Inn (see above).

GU10 2QB

Duration:  Half day walk

Leader:  Margo Scott

Directions:
Take A287 south from Farnham towards Hindhead.  After Millbridge and Frensham Green turn right into Bacon Lane signposted Frensham Pond Hotel.  Turn left into Country Park Visitor Centre after ¾ mile. Car parking charge applies payment by RingGo or card. Advance booking via RingGo advisable.

Habitat:
Circular path around the pond through woodland and heathland, generally easy walking but can be muddy in winter

Attractions:
Possibilities of wildfowl and water birds, woodland and heathland species.

Amenities:  Toilet block and coffee kiosk in car park

Information: Waverley Borough Council