Contact us at
info@fpwnr.org
Friends of Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve
Goldfinches feeding on teasels are a wonderful sight at this time of year.![]()
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Did you know that goldfinches were once known as the "thistle finch" and their scientific name Carduelis carduelis comes from the Latin word for thistle, carduus.![]()
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It needs a long and pointy beak to extract the seeds from teasel heads so it takes a specialist bird like a goldfinch to make the most of this harvest.
After so many years of wading through the legal quagmire, it has finally happened! We look forward to continuing to work with other stakeholders as the reserve goes from strength to strength.Exciting news: we now own Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve at Portishead. 👏👏![]()
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For many years we’ve wanted to take ownership of the site to ensure the land can be maintained and protected, as a nature reserve, for the benefit of wildlife, local residents and the wider community.![]()
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The reserve provides a safe haven for many species who will continue to be safeguarded and encouraged to flourish.![]()
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Visitors are welcome at the reserve which provides excellent opportunities to watch the wildlife and enjoy views across the Severn Estuary. ![]()
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It’s free to visit and open all year round and everyone is asked to follow the countryside code when visiting.![]()
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Read more at https:// n-somerset.gov.uk/news/future-portbury-wharf-nature-reserve-secured
We are open! Come and say hello to us at Eat: Portishead from now till 4 pm. We need your feedback on our new information panels for the Reserve. We also have some wonderful goody bags courtesy of Bertie’s Pet Store. Sign up your canine companion as a Dog Ranger to win one. (While stocks last!). And please do support Bertie’s, our generous sponsors
Come and see us on Saturday at the eat Portishead Festival on the marina. You can find out the latest about our salt marshes as well as plans for the reserve's permanent nature trail coming next year.![]()
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AND ... if you have a dog you can sign them up to become a Portbury Wharf Dog Ranger helping to keep our wildlife safe. ![]()
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We will be midway along the marina on the pier side, come and say hello.😀
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We have been to central Canada for a few weeks and, as a birder, one of the highlights was the various sightings of the black-crowned night heron that we made. So I was intrigued to see that splendid bird feature on the front cover of the RSPB’s magazine this month asking what increased numbers of UK sightings of “exotics” tells us about climate change. The article references other species with similar statistics as well.Apparently there have been 76 sightings of the night heron across 34 counties in recent months, driven, they conclude, by the drought in SW Europe. But maybe it is too easy to make such conclusions. There are estimated to be between 570,000 and 3,750,000 night herons across the globe, so let’s take a mean of those figures and say that there are over 2.2 million individuals with, let’s say 25% of them living in Europe. That’s over 540,000 European BC Night herons! Given that these are large, impressive birds I would suggest that lots of the sightings reported are of the same birds so maybe 50 or 60 birds have decided to head northwards to the UK. It’s not a lot,given total ptential population and maybe, just maybe the effect of climate change is not just that birds are being driven out of SW Europe by the admittedly terrible conditions down there, but that the normal annual diaspora of large birds is resulting in greater survival rates out of their existing territories. OK, that is a reflection of climate warming as well, but it also a great demonstration of nature making its own accommodations to changes in climate, habitat or food sources. Again, birds have a lot more mobility than other genera, but I think that by oversimplifying the forecast consequences of global warming (from whatever causes), we do the problem - and the issues and solutions - a great disservice
We ambled along the top of the salt marsh and back through the reserve this morning whilst it was still cool and pleasant. There was so much birdsong around and the grasses on the salt marsh are at their most lush. A deer kept his eye on us from up past the Tower hide, but as we were sticking to the path, he wasn't that bothered. A female has been much in evidence nearer to the Marina, and I suspect she may have taken a fawn down there to stay cool and safe, so do please take extra care when walking out with your dogs! ![]()
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On our way back we were struck by how much growth was on the meadow they cleared around the old pylon right next to the power substation. Lots of sorrel seed pods ripening from green to brown and a great variety of grass species!![]()
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Finally we bid a fond farewell to the pylon itself. It will have gone by the time we walk that route again. I really do think the new pylons will simply disappear into the scenery, but I have always loved the old pylons. They have been stately, energising pillars of our countryside; colossi bestriding the levels and hills alike.![]()
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Farewell faithful friend!
If you want to see a glorious meadow awash with oxeye daisies and buttercups take a stroll along the seasonal path!🌼
Come and see us TODAY at the Penny Coronation Festival in the Portishead Flower Show Field from 11.00am.😀🌞 ![]()
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It is going to be a lovely day with lots going on!![]()
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The event is organised by Portishead Town Council
What a fabulous walk this morning! If you walk past the back of the substation have a look up at that coolant drum at top left and spot the nesting oystercatchers! The lovely eglantine is flowering alongside the paths and there’s a wonderful golden flush of buttercups in the meadows!
Not every spider spins a web. This rather well camouflaged flower crab spider will ambush unsuspecting insects when they come to feed on the flower.
Visitor info
Home > Nature Reserve > Visitor Information
Overview
Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve is open 24/7 and access is free. Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve is a popular place for walking, cycling and running, as well as wildlife watching. We hope you enjoy your visit here.
The paths are flat or gently sloping and walking shoes are usually adequate. Though, if you plan to head down the seasonal or salt marsh tracks you might need boots if conditions are wet and muddy.
Location
Nestled between Royal Portbury Dock and Portishead this 150 acre nature reserve is 7 miles west of Bristol on the Severn Estuary.
Directions
On foot:
The nature reserve is not far from Sheepway, Portishead Marina and the Village Quarter. See the map below for approximate distances.
Because of the pylon and cabling work for the Hinkley Connection Project there are restrictions to access from Sheepway. The car park by the bridge is closed until 2025. Please see the February 2020 update for details about the restrictions and closures here.By Bus:
There is a bus stop at the end of Wharf Lane in Sheepway. See the X3 and X3A bus service for info
By car:
From Junction 19 of the M5 motorway, take the A369 to Portishead.
Parking:
1. Portishead Marina at the end of Newfoundland Road (pay and display).
2. There is limited free parking at the end of Wharf Lane. From the A369, The Portbury Hundred, take the first right into Sheepway by the pedestrian bridge and the second right into Wharf Lane.
Facilities:
There are 3 hides on the reserve.
Two hides overlook the North Pool; the North Pool Hide which has wheelchair access and the Tower Hide pictured below. There is also another hide overlooking the South Pool.
There are no toilet facilities on the reserve and the nearest cafes and bars are in Portishead Marina.
Wildlife only areas:
It is important to give wildlife room to feed and rest undisturbed. People and dog free zones include the Sanctuary, a gated area surrounded by a moat, the pools and the rhynes.
In other areas following the countryside code is always the best approach. If you walk your dog here and would like some wildlife friendly tips, check out Walking the Dog.
Countryside Code:
These are the headline points. To see the full countryside code please see the full Countryside Code on the Government’s website:
Respect – Protect – Enjoy
Respect other people:
Protect the natural environment:
Enjoy the outdoors: