Contact us at
info@fpwnr.org
Here we see a superb demonstration of why nesting birds are camouflaged with cryptic plumage. Too good not to share
If you have visited the South Pool Hide recently, you will have noticed the perilous state of the bridge at the entrance. Well now NSC have installed a lovely new bridge!😀
Unfortunately there was some antisocial behaviour on the reserve last weekend. ![]()
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The door and guttering were ripped off one of the hides and a support beam damaged; the ramp and floorboards were scorched from a BBQ; two benches were thrown out; loud music and yelling were heard by a passer by and 4 youths were seen by the pools disturbing wildlife. The police have been informed and now they are aware of the problems they can increase their patrols in the area.![]()
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It is important that the police are informed of ALL such instances. So if you are unlucky enough to witness any antisocial behaviour could you please report it to them by visiting their website at:![]()
www.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/report-a-crime-incident OR phone the Police on 101 and quote: BS20 7TD.![]()
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Thank you.
The Chiffchaffs are back! This morning I heard my first chiffchaff practising its call. It seems strange when all they shout out is "Chiff-Chaff"! But when they get back from sub-saharan Africa they appear to have forgotten the words and shout out chiff chiff or chaff chaff instead! Give them a day or two and they will have it right. ![]()
You can find out more about Chiffchaffs on the RSPB website by clicking the link below![]()
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Chiffchaff Bird Facts | Phylloscopus Collybita
www.rspb.org.uk
A small olive-brown warbler which actively flits through trees and shrubs, with a distinctive tail-wagging movement. Find out more
I love this area of wet woodland with its tangle of willows. It looks particularly great in the spring sunshine. ![]()
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You might not have come across this habitat as it is a bit off the beaten track, along the muddy seasonal path. So to save you getting your boots dirty here is a glimpse.
Next week, contractors shall be replacing the existing footbridge to the South Pools hide at Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve near Portishead.![]()
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The timber bridge has come to the end of its natural life expectancy and will be replaced with a recycled plastic bridge on the week commencing 17th March. The hide will be closed for the duration of the works.![]()
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The hides at the North Pools and next to the sea wall will remain open, providing stunning views of the nature reserve, Severn Estuary, and the wildlife within.
These are three of the photos we took whilst installing the new squares on the Wetlands Trail panels yesterday . . . a Stonechat on a hay bale, a Small Tortoiseshell on a Dandelion and a Wilbur (metal Water Vole) on a fence.
It was change over day on the Wetlands Trail today, so on your next visit, check out the new squares which will be up until the end of March.![]()
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Amongst the 12 new squares added can you find the WHAT WAS THAT NOISE?, WHOSE FEET ARE THESE? and CAN YOU HEAR ME SQUEAKING? squares?![]()
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Enjoy your walks on the reserve and learn a new wildlife fact or two as you go!![]()
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#wetlandstrailuk
We had a great time on World Wetlands Day, not only did we see the Marsh Harrier from the North Pool hide but we also installed the final elements of our Wetlands Trail . . . the Wilburs! ![]()
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The Wilburs are metal Water Voles. There are 12 of them to find as you walk between the Wetlands Trail panels. Whilst we have actual furry Water Voles at Portbury Wharf they are not very active in winter and keep themselves hidden from predators. So while you are unlikely to see a real Water Vole, say hello to the Wilburs instead . . . if you can spot them!![]()
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#wetlandstrailuk
Have you heard about the *FREE* 90 minute Connect3 Nature Wellbeing Walks taking place at Portbury Wharf every 2nd Monday of the month (starting 10th February)?![]()
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To find out more and sign up visit the organiser's Mudita Salus CIC website www.muditasalus.co.uk/connect3.
Salt Marsh
Welcome to our salt marsh hub
Most recent salt marsh post:
Posted: January 7, 2023
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Could your New Year’s resolution help a local salt marsh?
The Friends of Portbury Wharf are calling on the community to make protecting local salt marshes their New Year’s resolution. They have worked with Natural England, the government’s adviser for the environment, to put up new guide posts… Read More
Salt marsh hub menu:
Intro
In a biodiversity and climate crisis salt marsh is a superhero. Salt marshes are conservation areas, crucial for wildlife. They also help to protect us against global warming as they are better than rain forests at burying carbon.
We are lucky enough to have two salt marshes, one at Battery Point and the other at Portbury Wharf. Both of our salt marshes are so important they are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
From this page you can find links to all sorts of fascinating information about our salt marshes. See also this overview of Portbury Wharf Salt Marsh.
Find out fascinating facts about our salt marshes. . .
These A1 panels are suitable for both indoor and outdoor display. If you would like us to display them at your venue or school please contact us at info@fpwnr.org
Where is Portbury Wharf?
Portbury Wharf lies between Portishead Marina and Royal Portbury Dock. The salt marsh is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) whereas the nature reserve is not!
Climate change and sea level rise?
What happens if the sea breaches through the sea wall?
The nature reserve will become salt marsh.
Does it matter if we walk on the salt marsh?
The salt marsh has become very busy over the last few years with hundreds more people walking here. This is having a noticeable impact. Read more in Caring for our salt marshes.
Severn Estuary why is it special?
It is one of the most important estuaries in the UK. . . read more
Just what is a salt marsh?
You may have looked at it many times but not realised its importance . . . read more
Salt marsh plants don’t underestimate their importance
They are superheroes!. . . read more
Salt marshes store carbon and they are very good at it!
They can store more carbon than rain forests! . . . read more
Summer salt marsh a place of new life
You won’t always see the wildlife, it is very good at hiding from us . . . read more
Winter salt marsh a refuge for wildfowl
Many vulnerable birds flock to our salt marshes in winter . . . read more
Mud beasties and the role they play
Thousands of birds come here to feed on the creatures in the mud. . . read more
Geology of a salt marsh below the mud is a fascinating tale
All the way from the Sahara to Portishead . . .read more
Skylark you can hear them singing above the salt marsh
Skylark numbers have halved in recent years so we need to protect them and their nests . . . read more
Salt marsh curlew they are in trouble and need our help
The curlew is in trouble . . . and when things are bad for the curlew they are bad for other species too . . . read more
Dog Rangers help protect our wildlife
Why not help your dog to sign up? . . . go to dog ranger page
Salt Marsh Leaflet
Come and pick up a leaflet on Portishead Salt Marshes Day. It is printed on A3 recycled paper and folds down to a handy pocket size.
Other links:
Related posts:
Could your New Year’s resolution help a local salt marsh?
The Friends of Portbury Wharf are calling on the community to make protecting local salt marshes their New Year’s resolution. They have worked with Natural England, the government’s adviser for the environment, to put up new guide posts… Read More
Protect Portbury Wharf Salt Marsh
New informative signage coming to protect Portbury Wharf Salt Marsh Natural England (NE) have prepared the new signage. They are an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Environment. NE are working with the Friends of… Read More
Mud Monster
What is lurking in the undergrowth is it a fish or is it a bird . . . . . . noooo it’s a MUD MONSTER! The Mud Monster was born on 14th August last year at… Read More
Early on a December morning
Early on a December morning a buck and doe were quietly browsing on the salt marsh. But then a man and his dog walked along the edge of the salt marsh and disturbed them. The dog spotted the… Read More
Salt Marsh Noticeboard
Thanks to Councillor Nicola Holland for coming along to offically launch the new Salt Marsh Noticeboard. The noticeboard takes pride of place at Portbury Wharf Salt Marsh. It is located at the entrance near to Portishead Marina. The… Read More