Description
Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve is owned by Persimmon Homes and is managed by North Somerset Council, it is between industry on it's East side and housing on its West side, uniquely most of the roads in the estate are named after birds. The reserve comprises of large ponds, wet ditches, rough pasture, hedgerows, scrubby woodland and just outside the reserve is Portbury Wharf Salt Marsh, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the reserve is part of a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a RAMSAR site.
The reserve has a large bird list for such a built up area, depending on season some of which are Kukuvija, Crnokapa Grmuša, Svilorepa, Ćubasti Gnjurac, Vodomar, Sivi Ćuk, Sivi Sokol, Močvarna Strnadica, Kulik Blatarić, Kobac, Krunata Patka, Kokošica, Sokol Lastavičar, Piljak, Trstenjak cvrkutić, Trstenjak Rogožar, Prugasti Pozviždač, Šljuka Kokošica, Mala Šljuka, Vivak, Mali Sokol, Glavata Patka, Sova močvarica, Patka Žličarka, Kržulja and Zviždara. Note: one path is seasonal and may be closed due to conditions. The Sanctuary is a NO ENTRY area (Press STARS on map for more information).
Details
Access
From M5 motorway (Southbound), exit at junction 19 signed Services/Portishead/Royal Portbury Dock A369 (on overhead gantry). On approaching Gordano Interchange get in Right hand lanes, on roundabout take forth exit signed Portishead A369/Police & Fire HQ. Continue on this road, approaching bridge over road get in middle lane, after passing under bridge turn Right into Station Road (Note Weak Bridge Signs). Continue on this road (now called Sheepway), then turn Right into Wharf Lane (Note small road sign on Right), this road gets narrow, continue until road suddenly widens. The car park with limited spaces is on the Left (DO NOT block access gateways). A larger car park can be found at Portbury Marina (Fee Payable) Press STAR On Map.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , Sea , Reedbeds , City/village , Mud flats , Beach , Lake , WetlandConditions
Flat , Wet , Slippery , High water possible , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Summer , Spring migration , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
BE AWARE - recently in January 2023 some on-site bird hides have been vandalised, PLEASE DO REPORT TO LOCAL POLICE ANY SUCH CRIMINAL ACTS USING A NON EMERGENCY NUMBER IF YOU WITNESS EVIDENCE OF VANDALISM. - ALSO BE AWARE - The National Grid has contractors on site, removing and replacing electricity pylons, this Hinkley Connection Project is ongoing and is due to be completed by the end of 2025. Because of this work the larger Sheepway car park is NOT IN USE at this time until contractors vacate the site.

