A guide to the wildlife of Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve

Established by the government to protect habitats, wildlife and geology, National Nature Reserves are vital for the conservation of nature across England. They act as outdoor laboratories to learn more about the natural world – for everyone from scientists to school children. Hampshire Countryside Service manages five National Nature Reserves, each with their own unique ecosystems of plants and animals.

Titchfield Haven sits on the north-eastern shore of the Solent, in the lower Meon Valley. The reserve has a variety of habitats, from water meadows to reed beds and fenland to lagoons. Naturally, the reserve would be an estuary and saltmarsh, the creation of the seawall in the 1600s changed the site into a freshwater marsh, allowing the establishment of reedbeds and wet woodland. Parts of the site have no public access, allowing the wildlife, particularly birds, to flourish.

Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus)

You can spot this perennial plant in shallow water and the margins of wetlands. Its tall stem has a cluster of pink flowers at the end of it. Despite its name and appearance, the flowering rush isn’t a rush at all, and belongs to a taxonomic family of its own.

Best time to see: July and August

Conservation status: Not threatened

Marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

A once rare sight in the UK, the population of marsh harriers has bounced back in recent years. Although they’re migratory birds, an increasing number now remain here for the winter instead of travelling to Africa. Male marsh harriers are a pale brown, with black-tipped grey wings, while females are more of a chocolate brown.

Best time to see: Year-round

Conservation status: Near threatened

Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)

Easily recognised by their long, curved, black bill, this wading bird can often be seen fishing for insects and crustaceans in shallow waters along the coast. After going extinct in Britain during the 19th century, they made a reappearance on our shores during World War Two as beaches were flooded to defend against invasion.

Best time to see: March – August

Conservation status: Near-threatened

Cetti’s warbler (Cettia cetti)

Cetti’s warbler is harder to spot than it is to hear. Listen out for its loud song that sounds like a loud, repeating “plit” sound coming from long grass and thick shrubbery. If you want to see one, keep your eyes peeled for a medium-sized brown warbler.

Best time to see: Year-round

Conservation status: Not threatened

Bearded tit (Panurus biarmicus)

Despite its name, the bearded tit is neither bearded nor a tit, belonging to its own family of birds. Also known as the bearded reedling, it can usually be spotted among reed beds. This long-tailed bird is small and brown with a bright yellow bill, and the males have a black ‘moustache’.

Best time to see: September – December

Conservation status: Not threatened

Water vole (Arvicola amphibius)

After years of habitat loss and predation, the water vole was reintroduced into the River Meon in 2013. Smaller than a brown rat, these rodents have chestnut-brown fur, a blunt nose, small ears, and a furry tail. For the best chance of spotting them, keep an eye out for signs of activity. You’ll be able to see stems nibbled down with a 45° angle and cigar-shaped droppings near the water’s edge.

Best time to see: April – September

Conservation status: Endangered