Wootton Hard

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Hampshire

England

Wootton Hard

Roundabout on Fishbourne Lane Credit: Roger Cornfoot

Wootton Hard is a coastal marsh and saltings located in Hampshire, England. Stretching along the coast of the Solent, it covers a vast area of approximately 300 hectares. This unique landscape is characterized by its intertidal mudflats, saltmarshes, and reedbeds, making it an important habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.

The marshes of Wootton Hard are influenced by the rise and fall of the tides, creating a dynamic environment that supports a diverse array of wildlife. The mudflats provide food and shelter for various wading birds such as oystercatchers, curlews, and redshanks, which can be observed during low tide feeding on the rich invertebrate life found in the mud.

The saltmarshes are dominated by salt-tolerant grasses, herbs, and shrubs, which provide important nesting and foraging grounds for numerous bird species. Visitors to Wootton Hard may spot birds such as lapwings, dunlins, and avocets, particularly during the breeding season.

In addition to its avian inhabitants, Wootton Hard also supports a variety of other wildlife. The reedbeds provide cover for small mammals like voles and shrews, while the mudflats are home to a diverse range of marine invertebrates and fish, including crabs, worms, and flounder.

The Wootton Hard marshes are not only significant for their ecological value but also play an important role in flood prevention and coastal erosion control. The dense vegetation helps to stabilize the shoreline and absorb excess water during high tides and storms, reducing the risk of flooding in the surrounding areas.

Overall, Wootton Hard in Hampshire is a unique and ecologically important coastal marsh and saltings, offering a rich and diverse habitat for a wide range of wildlife species, as well as providing valuable ecosystem services for the local community.

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Wootton Hard Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.735719/-1.2152843 or Grid Reference SZ5593. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Roundabout on Fishbourne Lane

Roger Cornfoot

The Fishbourne Inn

Roger Cornfoot

Seafront cottage, Fishbourne

Roger Cornfoot

A Wightlink ferry arrives from Portsmouth

Roger Cornfoot

The foreshore at Fishbourne

Roger Cornfoot

Slipway at Fishbourne

Roger Cornfoot

Cottage on Fishbourne Lane

Roger Cornfoot

Wootton Creek

Roger Cornfoot

The Sloop Inn, Wootton Bridge

Roger Cornfoot

Seafront houses at Fishbourne

Steve Daniels

Quarr Abbey

Dave Croker

Isle of Wight coast near Quarr Abbey

The Isle of Wight Coast near Quarr Abbey (just visible above the trees), viewed from the deck of the Wightlink car ferry MV Victoria of Wight on a Portsmouth - Fishbourne service as it approaches Fishbourne.

Ian Capper

Isle of Wight coast near Quarr Abbey

Looking along the Isle of Wight coast near Quarr Abbey with the spire of All Saints' Church in Ryde visible above the skyline in the centre of the photo, viewed from the deck of the Wightlink car ferry MV Victoria of Wight on a Portsmouth - Fishbourne service as it approaches Fishbourne.

Ian Capper

Beacon 2

Beacon 2, one of the navigation beacons marking the entrance to Fishbourne car ferry terminal, viewed from the deck of the Wightlink car ferry MV Victoria of Wight on a Portsmouth - Fishbourne service. In the background is the Isle of Wight coast near Quarr Abbey with the spire of All Saints' Church in Ryde visible above the skyline left of centre.

Ian Capper

Beacon 4

Beacon 4, one of the navigation beacons marking the entrance to Fishbourne car ferry terminal, viewed from the deck of the Wightlink car ferry MV Victoria of Wight on a Portsmouth - Fishbourne service. Beyond are a boathouse and houses in Fishbourne Lane.

Ian Capper

Towards Portsmouth

Looking back from the deck of the Wightlink car ferry MV Victoria of Wight on a Portsmouth - Fishbourne service as it approaches the terminal at Fishbourne. Prominent in the distance is the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. Either side of the entrance channel are a pair of row of navigation beacons, with odd numbers ones on the left, in green, and even numbered ones on the right, in red.

Ian Capper

Fishbourne

A boathouse and houses in Fishbourne Lane, seen from the deck of the Wightlink car ferry MV Victoria of Wight on a Portsmouth - Fishbourne service as it approaches the terminal at Fishbourne.

Ian Capper

Fishbourne

A boathouse and houses in Fishbourne Lane, seen from the deck of the Wightlink car ferry MV Victoria of Wight on a Portsmouth - Fishbourne service as it approaches the terminal at Fishbourne.

Ian Capper

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Wootton Hard is located at Grid Ref: SZ5593 (Lat: 50.735719, Lng: -1.2152843)

Unitary Authority: Isle of Wight

Police Authority: Hampshire