Titchfield Haven national nature reserve is in the lower Meon valley and is manaaged by Hampshire County Council. It is a beautiful reserve, now a rich variety of wetland habitats including open water, reed beds, scrapes, wet meadows and woodland. John Clark, who is a frequent visitor to the reserve, will share his expert knowledge as he lead us along two trails on the western and eastern sides of the reserve. There are eight bird hides where we will be able to view birds at close quarters such as wigeon, teal and shoveler. In the winter months there are huge numbers of wildfowl such as dark-bellied Brent geese and waders including black-tailed godwits that join the resident birds escaping the cold of their winter breeding grounds. Raptors including buzzard, kestrel and marsh harrier should be seen. The foreshore is frequented by birds such as turnstones and little ring plover at high tide which we should see during the day. The Solent coast is of world wide importance for wildlife and migratory birds. Whilst there we may meet a ranger from Bird Aware Solent engaging with visitors to help people learn about the different species of birds and the impact of bird disturbance.
Image credit: Dave Foker
