Keyhaven, Pennington, Oxey and Normandy Marshes

Keyhaven, Pennington, Oxey and Normandy Marshes form a protected coastal reserve along the Solent with mudflats, salt meadows, and reed beds. The site covers hundreds of hectares and supports specialized plants and wildlife adapted to brackish environments.

The site served as a salt production center from the early medieval period until the 19th century, then shifted to oyster farming. It was later designated as a nature reserve to protect these valuable coastal habitats.

The reserve holds regular guided walks and educational programs to teach visitors about coastal wildlife and conservation methods.

Visitors can walk along paths on the seawall with several entry points, particularly from Keyhaven village where parking is available. The best time to explore is at low tide when mudflats are more accessible and birds are easier to spot.

The reserve contains several distinct lagoons such as Fishtail and Butts that attract migrating birds in different seasons, including species rarely seen elsewhere in Britain. These shallow water areas are deliberately maintained for bird conservation and provide viewing points for watchers.

Location: Lymington and Pennington

GPS coordinates: 50.72800,-1.55600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:06