Medmerry Nature Reserve
A serene RSPB wetland reserve offering peaceful walks, abundant birdlife, and stunning coastal views, with unique art installations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and great for wildlife
Medmerry Nature Reserve
Best Time
Peaceful and great for wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene RSPB wetland reserve offering peaceful walks, abundant birdlife, and stunning coastal views, with unique art installations.
"A place of tranquility and absolutely beautiful scenery, regardless of the weather."
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle In
Vehicle access is limited; plan to walk or cycle from nearby car parks like RSPB Pagham Harbour.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Essential for birdwatching and spotting wildlife in the extensive wetlands.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Periwinkle Shelter
Medmerry Nature Reserve
A unique art installation offering stunning views and a blend of nature and creativity. A must-see for photographers and art lovers.
Wetland Birdwatching Haven
Medmerry Nature Reserve
Explore vast created wetlands teeming with wildfowl and marshland birds. Bring binoculars for an immersive wildlife experience.
Coastal Path Views
Medmerry Nature Reserve
Follow paths to the sea for breathtaking coastal vistas. The scenery is beautiful in all weather, offering a serene seaside experience.
Wild Camping Potential
Medmerry Nature Reserve
Experience the magic of wild camping in this peaceful reserve. Enjoy incredible sunsets and a sense of solitude.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Best Footwear and Dog Policies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle In
Vehicle access is limited; plan to walk or cycle from nearby car parks like RSPB Pagham Harbour.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Essential for birdwatching and spotting wildlife in the extensive wetlands.
👟 Wear Sensible Shoes
Paths are mixed terrain: paved, gravel, and grass. Good footwear is key for comfort.
🐶 Dogs on Lead
Keep dogs leashed due to farm vehicles, cyclists, runners, and cows.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle In
Vehicle access is limited; plan to walk or cycle from nearby car parks like RSPB Pagham Harbour.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Essential for birdwatching and spotting wildlife in the extensive wetlands.
👟 Wear Sensible Shoes
Paths are mixed terrain: paved, gravel, and grass. Good footwear is key for comfort.
🐶 Dogs on Lead
Keep dogs leashed due to farm vehicles, cyclists, runners, and cows.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The sunsets here are out of this world! Perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
🐄 Watch for Cows
Adjoining fields often have cows, adding to the rural charm.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Medmerry Nature Reserve for its exceptional tranquility and beautiful scenery, often noting its surprising quietness. It's a favored spot for dog walks and birdwatching, with the coastal paths and unique Periwinkle Shelter being particular highlights. Some find the lack of direct vehicle access a minor inconvenience, but most agree the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty are well worth the effort.
"I love this route for a walk, its usually very quiet and calm. The views are wonderful, especially if you take the path all the way down to the sea.
There are often cows in the adjoining fields, thats always a win 😊
The surfaces are fairly level, a mixture of paved and gravel with the option of grass too along some portions.
Its a lovely dog walk but advisable to keep dogs on lead due to farm/maintenance vehicles, cycles, runners and cows.
Take binoculars or a camera if youre a birder as there are always plenty of marshland and sea birds (or if you like general wildlife, scenery and cows)."
Jodie Nyx
"Despite all the holiday parks nearby this is a place of tranquility. Absolutely beautiful scenery. One of my "go to" places. Regardless of the weather it's always peaceful"
Madison Dolan
"Superb area of RSPB created wetland for sustaining a wide range of wildfowl and nature. Great for walking and bird watching. Ensure you have sensible clothing and footwear. Limited RSPB car parking around the outskirts of the reserve."
Cornfields Dancing
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vehicle access is limited. The best approach is to walk or cycle. A common starting point is the RSPB Pagham Harbour car park, followed by an approximate 1.8-mile walk to the reserve. Some visitors also cycle from Sidlesham Quay or near Caroline's Dairy via route 288.
There is limited RSPB car parking around the outskirts of the reserve. Be aware that Google Maps may sometimes provide incorrect driving locations, so plan your route carefully.
No, there is no direct driving road into RSPB Medmerry. It's designed as a walking and cycling destination to preserve its tranquility.
While direct public transport to the reserve itself is limited, you can reach nearby areas like Bracklesham Bay or Sidlesham by bus and then walk or cycle the remaining distance.
The reserve has a mix of paved and gravel paths, which are generally level. However, the lack of direct vehicle access means a significant walk or cycle is usually required. Consider contacting RSPB for specific accessibility advice.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Medmerry Nature Reserve is managed by the RSPB. Entry is typically free for RSPB members, and there may be a small charge or donation requested for non-members, especially for parking at associated RSPB sites.
Nature reserves are generally accessible from dawn till dusk. It's always a good idea to check the RSPB website for any specific seasonal access information or temporary closures.
Entry to the reserve itself is usually free. However, parking at nearby RSPB car parks may incur a fee.
The reserve is generally open from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty throughout the day.
While not always advertised, RSPB often organizes guided walks or events. Check the RSPB Pagham Harbour or local RSPB group websites for upcoming activities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The reserve is a haven for birdlife, particularly wildfowl and marshland birds. You can also spot cows in adjacent fields and enjoy the general scenery.
Yes, there are lovely walking trails with a mix of paved, gravel, and grass surfaces. The paths are generally level and offer beautiful views, especially down to the sea.
Absolutely! The reserve offers stunning scenery, unique art installations like the Periwinkle Shelter,
making it a photographer's paradise.
Yes, some visitors have reported successful wild camping experiences here, enjoying the peace and spectacular sunsets.
Facilities are minimal to maintain the natural feel. There are no direct visitor centers or cafes within the reserve itself. Nearby areas might offer amenities.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The Periwinkle Shelter offers unique artistic shots, and the diverse birdlife.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light, especially for landscape and wildlife photography. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing detailed shots of birds and other wildlife from a distance, respecting their natural habitat.
Drone usage is generally restricted in nature reserves to protect wildlife and ensure a peaceful experience for visitors. It's best to check RSPB guidelines or local regulations.
The Periwinkle Shelter is a striking art installation. Capture it from various angles, incorporating the surrounding landscape and sky for dramatic effect.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a walk to find the Periwinkle Shelter,
which adds an element of discovery. Remember to bring binoculars for birdwatching and ensure children are supervised, especially near water or wildlife. Keeping dogs on a lead is also important for everyone's safety and enjoyment. 🐶 Dog Owners
The mixed terrain means your dog will experience different surfaces, from paved paths to gravel and grass. The coastal views and open spaces provide an engaging environment for your canine companion. Just be prepared for a walk or cycle in, as direct vehicle access is restricted.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Hikers
It's an ideal location for a tranquil escape, often described as a place of tranquility despite its proximity to holiday parks.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Medmerry by Bike
The mixed terrain of paved and gravel paths makes for an enjoyable ride, allowing you to cover more ground and discover hidden spots. Cycling is a fantastic way to experience the reserve's tranquility and access its various viewpoints, from the wetlands to the coast. Many visitors combine cycling with other activities, such as stopping for a picnic at the WH Sports field
or exploring the unique Periwinkle Shelter. The reserve's layout is well-suited for a leisurely bike tour, providing a sense of freedom and exploration. Remember to be mindful of other users on the paths, including walkers and runners, and to keep your bike under control. Birdwatching at Medmerry
Whether you're an experienced birder or a casual observer, the reserve offers ample opportunities to spot various species. Keep an eye out for different types of waterfowl, waders, and other wetland inhabitants. The peaceful atmosphere of the reserve further enhances the birdwatching experience, allowing for quiet observation and appreciation of nature's wonders.
The Periwinkle Shelter: Art Meets Nature
This striking structure offers a place for reflection and provides visitors with inspiring views of the surrounding reserve and coastline. It's a testament to how art can enhance and interact with natural environments. Finding the Periwinkle Shelter is often part of the adventure, with family-friendly walks recommended to reach it.
The shelter serves as a focal point for many visitors, offering a memorable spot for photos and a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the beauty of Medmerry. Its presence adds an extra layer of cultural interest to the natural appeal of the reserve. 
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