Walks : Lymington Reedbeds Nature Reserve

SO41 9LJ SZ 324 965 Little parking.

Accessed from layby in Marsh Lane at West end near Ampress park or at the end of Undershore Lane for the East end of the reserve.

This proved to be an ideal long walk as you can do the circular route starting and ending in Lymington itself. Dogs are permitted in the reserve, which is under the care of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

We start from Undershore Road after walking from home in Lymington and come out into the Boldre Lane and back round past Buckland. The reserve lies to the north of the old tollbridge near the railway line and gives a real “sense of the wild” even though so close to the town.

Covering 31 hectares, this haven is of great appeal to birdwatchers as it has rare birds all year round, including seabirds and warblers such as the sedge and reed warblers. In winter there are many visiting waders and water fowl, while the warmer months attract snipe, the very rare Cetti warbler and the reserve is a haven for otters and voles. Before flying away in autumn many swallows, martins and yellow wagtails feed in the reserve to build up their strength before their epic migration.

Lymington reedbeds reserve has unsurfaced paths , which are very muddy and do remember that most of the area is water-logged – my walking boots and socks could not cope!

Truly a magical place so close to Lymington and well worth a walk throughout the year, if you are prepared to get muddy. Last time we went our collie was so filthy we were desparate enough to coax her into the rather murky river before the walk home!