Brading Marshes RSPB reserve

Brading Marshes is the only Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserve on the Isle of Wight. It lies on the east coast behind Bembridge Harbour, where a mix of lagoons, reed beds and meadows meets a fringe of ancient woodland. The marsh was reclaimed from the sea at the end of the 19th century and now forms part of a wetland restoration project. Grazing cattle and seasonal haymaking keep the grass short and the ditches open. Rough vegetation is cut back to help wildflowers and wetland birds. The reserve attracts lapwing, grey heron, tufted duck and shelduck in spring and summer. Marsh harrier and peregrines hunt over the pools at these times. In autumn and winter migrating wading birds arrive to feed alongside ducks, geese and other waders. Many insects, plants and other animals also live here throughout the year. The site is part of a larger Site of Special Scientific Interest called Brading Marshes to St. Helen’s Ledges. Visitors walk along paths beside the lagoons and reed beds. Ancient woodland frames the northern edge of the reserve. The ditches and pools change with the seasons, drawing different birds at different times. Wildflowers colour the meadows when hay is not being cut. The reserve offers quiet views over water and marshland all year round.