Description
Brading Marshes stretches from the village of Brading to the sea at Bembridge Harbour. It's a mix of reedbeds, marshes and ancient woodlands and a haven for a wide array of wildlife, ranging from Silkehejre and Grønspætte to Rørhøg. In spring you see Vibe swoop over the marshes and you can hear the distinctive song of Cettisanger.
Details
Access
The best access is by the island train to Brading station, which also makes an easy and fun day-trip from the mainland by directly-connecting train and ferry (Portsmouth to Ryde). Cars can park at the National Trust's Bembridge and Culver Down nearby.
The best way to discover the reserve is to follow one of the waymarked routes from either Brading station or Bembridge Windmill. Take the footpath up the road from the station. Follow the green signs through the housing estate. Carefully cross the railway tracks, then follow the path to North Marsh along Laundry Lane (the old railway line) or take the path diagonally across the marshes to the old sea wall. Brading Marshes is crossed by a network of public and permissive paths. These take you through a varied landscape, rich in important habitats and wildlife. Explore reedbeds, marshes and ancient woodlands.
