Birdwatching

This area is famous for birdwatching at any time of year. Stroll along the seawall towards Keyhaven between October and March and you will see  large flocks of Brent Geese which visit each year, they have increased more than tenfold in thirty years The marshes are important for waders and waterfowl on their way to Siberia and Scandinavia in Spring and then on to overwinter in Europe and Africa in autumn. Also in winter you can see the Grey and Golden Plover here in good numbers, hence we thought that Plover was an appropriate name for our cottage which is an excellent base for visiting birdwatchers.

In Late Summer the Dashing Hobby puts in an appearance, also the curlew, wood and green sandpiper, and greenshank to name just a few of the fascinating birds that can be seen in this area

There was a rare appearance of a Killdeer in 1980. Most recently an American Golden Plover in Spring 1998.

Seawatching is best done from Hurst. The Shag is often seen flying by here. Rock Pippits breed at Hurst Castle

Sturt Pond Birdwatching Hide is a short walk along the river from the cottage and is open between 9 and 5 every day.Please ask for more details if you are interested. There will be directions in a folder at the cottage.