They’re back!
One of the Solent’s great winter wildlife spectacles is beginning again, as dark-bellied brent geese return to our shores after an extraordinary journey from Arctic Russia and Siberia.
Around 40 birds were recorded in Portsmouth Harbour on 28 September, with smaller groups appearing around the Solent in the days before. And this is only the start — over the coming weeks their numbers will grow, with around 25,000 brent geese using the Solent at the height of winter.
That makes the Solent a hugely important place for these remarkable birds, with around 10% of the global population spending the winter here.
A very long journey
Brent geese travel thousands of miles to reach us and often make the journey in family groups.
If you look closely at a flock, you may be able to spot younger birds staying close to their parents as they feed together through the winter.
Once they arrive, the geese need plenty of time to rest and feed. You’ll see them around harbours, intertidal areas and coastal grasslands, making the most of places where they can find food without using too much precious energy.
Give them a little space
One of the easiest ways we can help is simply to let them feed in peace.
If you come across a flock, give them plenty of room. If the birds become alert or start moving away from you, that’s a good sign to change your route if you can. Keeping dogs close nearby also makes a real difference.
Protecting these important feeding and roosting areas, and reducing disturbance, is part of Hampshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Look out for colour rings
While you’re watching the geese, keep an eye out for coloured rings on their legs.
These rings allow individual birds to be recognised, helping researchers understand where they travel and which places they rely on during the winter.
Spotted a colour-ringed brent goose?
Report your sighting to the Southern Colour Ringing Group
Join the Great Coastal Birdwatch
Want another reason to head to the coast this autumn?
Bird Aware Solent’s Great Coastal Birdwatch runs from 17 October to 1 November 2026.
Simply choose a coastal spot, spend up to an hour recording the birds you see and submit your sightings. It’s an easy way to help build our knowledge of the Solent’s winter wildlife — and a lovely excuse to spend some time by the sea.
Find out more and take part in the Great Coastal Birdwatch
The return of the brent geese is a wonderful reminder that nature recovery isn’t only about creating new habitats. It’s also about looking after the places wildlife already depends on, reducing pressures and giving these incredible birds the space they need to thrive.
Find out more about nature recovery in Hampshire
Want to see where nature recovery could happen near you?
Explore the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Hampshire, check out the maps and discover the actions being identified for habitats and species across the county.