How big is Keyhaven salt marsh?

1200 hectares
The Wildlife Trust’s reserve started to expand in 1980 and now encompasses over 700 ha. Today the combined area of the two reserves covers well over 1200 hectares. It incorporates mudflats, salt marshes, shingle banks, coastal grazing marshes, and saline lagoons.

How was Keyhaven salt marsh formed?

The Keyhaven Marshes are salt marshes formed in the lee of Hurst Castle Spit. The landform has been actively shaped by longshore drift for hundreds of years. Henry VIII built a castle near the tip of the spit to help defend England from possible invasions.

Where is Keyhaven salt marsh located?

Southern Hampshire
Keyhaven marshes are located on the south coast of England , in the western Solent in Southern Hampshire. They have formed behind Hurst Castle Spit, which has formed because of longshore drift from the West.

What County is Keyhaven in?

county of Hampshire
Keyhaven is a hamlet on the south coast of England in the county of Hampshire….

Where do I park for Lymington nature reserve?

Parking available at Keyhaven Village, Lower Pennington Lane, Lymington Quay and marinas.

Can you swim at Hurst Spit?

WARNING: Do not swim here or lark about in/on inflatables. The current is exceptionally strong all along the spit. Hurst Spit is a tall, one-mile long shingle bank.

Who owns Hurst Spit?

Hurst Castle is managed by Hurst Marine on behalf of English Heritage, who care for over 400 historic monuments, buildings and places.

Does Keyhaven have a beach?

Further west along the New Forest’s 40-miles of coast is Keyhaven; a small village with a pretty harbour surrounded by saltwater marshes.

Is Keyhaven car park open?

Keyhaven Long Stay Car Park – Keyhaven 1 April to 30 September: 6am to 10pm every day including bank holidays. 1 October to 31 March: 8am to 6pm every day including bank holidays.

How long is Lymington sea wall?

Approx 9 miles
Approx 9 miles. Great for birdspotting, views of the Solent, comfortable underfood. Can get very windy so be prepared with warmer clothing as necessary. Start at Keyhaven or Lymington, or vice versa.

How long is the walk from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle?

4½ mile
Keyhaven, Hurst Spit and the Castle. Enjoy a 4½ mile (7 kilometre) walk from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle and back; or in season, halve the walking distance and add variety to the trip by using the Hurst Castle ferry for the outward or return journey.

Is Hurst Spit man made?

Although originally formed by natural processes, Hurst Spit is now maintained by regular shingle recycling operations. The Spit has been declining in volume, probably since the 1940’s when coast protection works in Christchurch Bay first began to interrupt movement of the shingle that maintains its stability.

Why are the Lymington and Keyhaven marshes important?

This large area of salt marsh and mudflats lies either side of Lymington River and is of international importance for the large numbers of breeding, feeding and roosting birds that it supports. Less than 3 miles from Lymington.

How did the Keyhaven salt marsh get eroded?

In December 1989 storms pushed part of the shingle ridge over the top of the salt marsh, exposing 50-80m to the full fury of the sea, which was eroded in less than three months. Increasing demand for leisure and tourism have meant that increasing numbers of people wish to visit the marshes.

What kind of birds live in Keyhaven marshes?

Wintering raptors include Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and Merlin along with occasional Short-eared Owl. During spring and summer three species of tern can be seen from the seawall with sometimes large numbers of Mediterranean Gull.

When was Keyhaven marshes bought by Hampshire County Council?

It lies between the town of Lymington and the coastal village of Keyhaven. Hampshire County Council began purchasing the area in 1974 when it bought Normandy Farm. Pennington Marshes were bought in 1979 followed in 1984 by Keyhaven Marshes.