Are you a nature enthusiast looking for a fun and exciting way to connect with wildlife?
If so, then birdwatching at Medmerry Nature Reserve is an experience you won’t want to miss! Located in West Sussex, England, this vast reserve is home to an array of bird species, making it the perfect destination for any bird lover. And the best part? Medmerry, our holiday park, is located right next to it!
What is Medmerry Nature Reserve?
If you’re new to birdwatching, don’t worry! Medmerry Nature Reserve is a great place to start. With over 1000 hectares of salt marsh, mudflats, and shallow lagoons, there’s plenty of space for birds to thrive. In fact, the reserve is home to over 40 species of breeding birds, including the avocet, lapwing, and redshank.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your next birdwatching adventure at Medmerry Nature Reserve.
Getting Started
You’ll first need to grab a pair of binoculars, some sturdy walking shoes, and a sense of adventure! Once you arrive at the reserve, head to the visitor centre to grab a map and get a lay of the land. The staff at the visitor centre are incredibly knowledgeable and can offer tips on where to find the best birdwatching spots.
Best Birdwatching Spots
The Medmerry Nature Reserve is home to several different habitats, including salt marsh, shingle beach, and tidal mudflats. Each of these habitats attracts different types of birds, so it’s worth exploring them all to get the full experience. Here are some of the best birdwatching spots in the reserve:
RSPB Pagham Harbour
RSPB Pagham Harbour is a stunning nature reserve located just a short distance from Medmerry. It’s a popular spot for birdwatchers, and for good reason – the mudflats and salt marshes here are home to a variety of waders and wildfowl.
RSPB Medmerry
RSPB Medmerry is a birdwatching hotspot, thanks to the wide variety of habitats found here. You’re sure to see a diverse range of bird species from salt marsh to freshwater pools.
Bracklesham Bay
Bracklesham Bay is another shingle beach that’s well worth a visit. Here you can spot wading birds like sandpipers and redshanks.
Top Bird Species to Look Out For
Medmerry Nature Reserve is home to over 230 species of bird, so it’s impossible to list them all! However, here are a few of the most common bird species you’re likely to spot:
Brent Geese
Brent Geese are a common sight at the reserve, particularly during winter. These beautiful birds have distinctive black and white striped necks.
Little Egret
The Little Egret is a stunning white bird with a long, slender beak. They can often be seen wading in shallow water.
Lapwing
The Lapwing is a beautiful bird with a distinctive crest on its head. They can be seen in large flocks during the winter months.
Avocet
The Avocet is a striking black and white bird with an upturned beak. They are often seen feeding in shallow water.
But birdwatching at Medmerry Nature Reserve isn’t just about the birds. The reserve is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including insects, reptiles, and small mammals. Take your time exploring the trails and boardwalks and see what other creatures you can discover.
Medmerry Park: The Perfect Base
After a long day of birdwatching, there’s nothing better than returning to a comfortable and relaxing base. That’s where Medmerry comes in – our holiday park is located right next to the Medmerry Nature Reserve, making it the perfect base for your birdwatching adventure.
Our holiday park offers a range of coastal holiday chalets, with pet-friendly options available, and our Luxury Plus chalets each have their own bubbling hot tubs for you to unwind after a day of exploring the wide range of wildlife around the park.
Take a refreshing break and plunge into our inviting heated outdoor pool, channel your inner Roger Federer on our all-weather tennis court, treat yourself to a delicious meal at The Medmerry Bar & Restaurant, enjoy a fun-filled round of crazy golf on our course or let your furry friends run around and play in our agility area. Our holiday park offers a variety of amenities to suit every interest, including a selection of brand-new Go Cove outdoor children’s activities. Moreover, guests staying at Medmerry can enjoy complimentary access to our sister park, Seal Bay Resort.
Book Your Birdwatching Adventure at Medmerry Park Today!
Birdwatching at Medmerry Nature Reserve is an adventure waiting for you, and our holiday park, Medmerry, is the perfect base for exploring this stunning area. So, what are you waiting for? Book your birdwatching adventure today and get ready for an experience you’ll never forget!
