FAREHAM
– A LIFELINE FOR WINTER WILDLIFE

Winter is on its way, and it won’t be long before we see an extraordinary array of wading birds, ducks and geese settling in for a season on the Solent.

You may be wondering why the birds fly such a long way to get here – what does Fareham’s coastline have to offer them? The answer is simple: food! Fareham is home to lots of marvellous mudflats and when the mud is exposed at low tides, coastal birds can access the wealth of food that hides beneath the surface. However, when the tide comes in, the buffet is closed, and it’s vital that birds can rest undisturbed during this time.

Ranger Natalie will be out on the coast throughout the winter telling local people all about our migratory birds. Here, she tells us about two of her favourite places to visit, and how everyone can enjoy them while keeping the birdlife safe.

BUNNY MEADOWS (part of Hook with Warsash Nature Reserve)

“Bunny Meadows is a fantastic place to see the birds that visit us for the winter. At lower tides, black-tailed godwits, curlews and lots of other species feed on the mudflats while ducks and geese nibble at plants on the saltmarsh. At higher tides, you can see huge groups of dunlins wheeling through the sky in beautiful murmurations. The best way to look after the protected species at Bunny Meadows is to stick to the footpath – you’ll get an excellent view of the wildlife but be far enough away so the birds can continue resting or feeding undisturbed.”

CAMS BAY

“You’re likely to see dark-bellied brent geese, curlews and teal ducks at Cams Bay, along with many other wading birds. Visit at a mid-level tide for the best chance of seeing lots of different species feeding together – they are happy to do this because each bird is adapted to feed at a slightly different depth in the mud, which means that they aren’t in direct competition with each other. It’s very easy to avoid disturbing the birds at Cams Bay, simply stay on the grassy area above the shoreline. You’ll get a wonderful view of the wildlife without getting close enough to disturb it.

Wherever you choose to explore this winter, you can support migratory birds by following the Bird Aware Solent coastal code: look out for birds, move away if birds become alert, keep dogs alongside, and follow requests on signs.”

By Alice Ashcroft-Dalley | Ranger

Bird Aware Solent

www.birdaware.org/solent/