Deadman's Head

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Hampshire Havant

England

Deadman's Head

Breach in sea wall, Southmoor Nature Reserve The breach occurred in 2020 and the marshland habitat has changed dramatically, with some areas now under water at each high tide: see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7592550">SU7104 : Channel in marshland, Southmoor Nature Reserve</a>. The coastal footpath is officially closed.
Breach in sea wall, Southmoor Nature Reserve Credit: David Martin

Deadman's Head is a prominent geographical feature located in Hampshire, England. It is a coastal marsh area known for its extensive saltings, which are large expanses of low-lying land frequently flooded by seawater during high tides. This unique ecosystem provides a diverse range of habitats for various plant and animal species.

Situated on the southern coast of Hampshire, Deadman's Head encompasses an area of approximately 4 square kilometers. The landscape is characterized by vast mudflats, salt marshes, and shallow lagoons, which are largely influenced by the ebb and flow of the nearby sea. These saltings are crucial for the survival and reproduction of numerous bird species, including wading birds, waterfowl, and seabirds that rely on the area for feeding and nesting.

The marshlands of Deadman's Head are also home to a variety of plant species that have adapted to the saline conditions. Salt-tolerant grasses, samphires, and glassworts are commonly found, along with vibrant wildflowers that bloom during the summer months, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

The site is of significant importance not only for its ecological value but also for its archaeological interest. It has been a site of human activity for thousands of years, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and Roman occupation. Archaeological excavations have unearthed artifacts, including pottery fragments and tools, shedding light on the region's rich history.

Deadman's Head, with its diverse ecosystems and historical significance, is a notable destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and those interested in exploring the region's past. The area is protected and managed by local conservation organizations to ensure the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Deadman's Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.823773/-1.0060591 or Grid Reference SU7003. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Breach in sea wall, Southmoor Nature Reserve The breach occurred in 2020 and the marshland habitat has changed dramatically, with some areas now under water at each high tide: see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7592550">SU7104 : Channel in marshland, Southmoor Nature Reserve</a>. The coastal footpath is officially closed.
Breach in sea wall, Southmoor Nature Reserve
The breach occurred in 2020 and the marshland habitat has changed dramatically, with some areas now under water at each high tide: see SU7104 : Channel in marshland, Southmoor Nature Reserve. The coastal footpath is officially closed.
On the shore at Southmoor Nature Reserve The projecting sea wall is at the end of Southmoor Lane.
On the shore at Southmoor Nature Reserve
The projecting sea wall is at the end of Southmoor Lane.
Path on Budd's Wall Looking back towards Southmoor Lane.
Path on Budd's Wall
Looking back towards Southmoor Lane.
Dropped defences Second World War coastal defences collapsed onto the beach beside the Hayling Billy route.
Dropped defences
Second World War coastal defences collapsed onto the beach beside the Hayling Billy route.
Hayling Billy Line Hayling Billy Line (old railway between Hayling and Havant) path heading to the Bridge car park
Hayling Billy Line
Hayling Billy Line (old railway between Hayling and Havant) path heading to the Bridge car park
Hayling Billy Line The Hayling Billy Line path heading to the Victoria Road car park
Hayling Billy Line
The Hayling Billy Line path heading to the Victoria Road car park
Hayling Billy Line Hayling Billy Line path heading to Victoria Road car park
Hayling Billy Line
Hayling Billy Line path heading to Victoria Road car park
The Deeps, Farlington Marsh This lake is called The Deeps, it's formed by a combination of overwash from the sea and retention of rainfall draining from the marsh. Following a recent extended hot and dry spell it's drying up and currently looks more like something from an African documentary than an English coastal lake.
The Deeps, Farlington Marsh
This lake is called The Deeps, it's formed by a combination of overwash from the sea and retention of rainfall draining from the marsh. Following a recent extended hot and dry spell it's drying up and currently looks more like something from an African documentary than an English coastal lake.
WWII Hampshire - Naval bombing decoy control bunker - Hayling Island (1) -
Naval Bombing Decoy (N Series): DoB ID: e18972

This was the Hayling Island Naval 'QF' (special fires) bombing decoy control building, now partially demolished and backfilled, and in danger of disappearing forever due to coastal erosion.

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5154404">SU7102 : WWII Hampshire - Naval bombing decoy control bunker - Hayling Island (2)</a>
WWII Hampshire - Naval bombing decoy control bunker - Hayling Island (1)
- Naval Bombing Decoy (N Series): DoB ID: e18972 This was the Hayling Island Naval 'QF' (special fires) bombing decoy control building, now partially demolished and backfilled, and in danger of disappearing forever due to coastal erosion. SU7102 : WWII Hampshire - Naval bombing decoy control bunker - Hayling Island (2)
WWII Hampshire - Naval bombing decoy control bunker - Hayling Island (2) -
Naval Bombing Decoy (N Series): DoB ID: e18972
WWII Hampshire - Naval bombing decoy control bunker - Hayling Island (2)
- Naval Bombing Decoy (N Series): DoB ID: e18972
Hayling Island foreshore Close to high tide.
Hayling Island foreshore
Close to high tide.
Signal but no railway The Hayling Island to Havant branch ran along the top of the bank on the right until closure in 1963. The expense of replacing the bridge over Langstone Harbour (the remains of which can be seen in the distance) brought about its demise. The signal remains as a reminder of its existence. The trackbed is now a combined footpath/cycleway.
Signal but no railway
The Hayling Island to Havant branch ran along the top of the bank on the right until closure in 1963. The expense of replacing the bridge over Langstone Harbour (the remains of which can be seen in the distance) brought about its demise. The signal remains as a reminder of its existence. The trackbed is now a combined footpath/cycleway.
Signal and the remains of the railway bridge The Hayling Island to Havant branch ran along the top of the bank until closure in 1963. The expense of replacing the bridge over Langstone Harbour (the remains of which can be seen in the distance) brought about its demise. The signal (recently restored) remains as a reminder of its existence. A full history of the line can be found at <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.semgonline.com/location/hayling_01.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.semgonline.com/location/hayling_01.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> 17th October 2015
Signal and the remains of the railway bridge
The Hayling Island to Havant branch ran along the top of the bank until closure in 1963. The expense of replacing the bridge over Langstone Harbour (the remains of which can be seen in the distance) brought about its demise. The signal (recently restored) remains as a reminder of its existence. A full history of the line can be found at LinkExternal link 17th October 2015
Former railway embankment The Hayling Island to Havant branch ran along the top of the bank until closure in 1963. The expense of replacing the bridge over Langstone Harbour brought about its demise. The signal remains as a reminder of its existence. The trackbed is now a combined footpath/cycleway.
Former railway embankment
The Hayling Island to Havant branch ran along the top of the bank until closure in 1963. The expense of replacing the bridge over Langstone Harbour brought about its demise. The signal remains as a reminder of its existence. The trackbed is now a combined footpath/cycleway.
Bridge Lake Looking towards the embankment and the remains of the bridge of the former Havant to Hayling Island branch railway.
Bridge Lake
Looking towards the embankment and the remains of the bridge of the former Havant to Hayling Island branch railway.
WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - Havant Road pillbox (3) -
Pillbox (unclassified): DoB ID: S0008615

This pillbox is a familiar sight along the main road onto the island, and once would have stood adjacent to a heavy anti-aircraft gun battery in the field nearby. There are two embrasures visible on the south facing side. The entrance is behind, hidden in vegetation.

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5321518">SU7203 : WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - Northney Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery (4)</a>
WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - Havant Road pillbox (3)
- Pillbox (unclassified): DoB ID: S0008615 This pillbox is a familiar sight along the main road onto the island, and once would have stood adjacent to a heavy anti-aircraft gun battery in the field nearby. There are two embrasures visible on the south facing side. The entrance is behind, hidden in vegetation. SU7203 : WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - Northney Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery (4)
WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - West Lane pillbox (13) -
Pillbox (type FW3/22): DoB ID: S0012783

One side of this pillbox has been knocked through at some time to create a shelter for livestock. Constructed with brick shuttering, its coastal location on the west side of the island just south of the Naval Bombing Decoy control bunker is probably no coincidence. [<a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5154399" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5154399">Link</a>]

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5321525">SU7101 : WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - West Lane pillbox (14)</a>
WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - West Lane pillbox (13)
- Pillbox (type FW3/22): DoB ID: S0012783 One side of this pillbox has been knocked through at some time to create a shelter for livestock. Constructed with brick shuttering, its coastal location on the west side of the island just south of the Naval Bombing Decoy control bunker is probably no coincidence. [Link] SU7101 : WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - West Lane pillbox (14)
WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - West Lane pillbox (14) -
Pillbox (type FW3/22): DoB ID: S0012783

Interior view from the removed section of the north east side. Deep embrasures with weapon support shelves are a feature of this pillbox.

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5321527">SU7101 : WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - Daw Lane pillbox (15)</a>
WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - West Lane pillbox (14)
- Pillbox (type FW3/22): DoB ID: S0012783 Interior view from the removed section of the north east side. Deep embrasures with weapon support shelves are a feature of this pillbox. SU7101 : WWII Hampshire: Hayling Island - Daw Lane pillbox (15)
Show me another place!

Deadman's Head is located at Grid Ref: SU7003 (Lat: 50.823773, Lng: -1.0060591)

Administrative County: Hampshire

District: Havant

Police Authority: Hampshire

What 3 Words

///debate.remit.senses. Near Havant, Hampshire

Related Wikis

South Binness Island

South Binness Island is an island in Langstone Harbour. It is 600 metres (660 yd) long and up to 240 metres (260 yd) wide but only rises to 2 metres (7...

Langstone Harbour

Langstone Harbour is a 2,085.4-hectare (5,153-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Hampshire. It is an inlet of the English Channel...

Baker's Island

Baker's Island is an island in Langstone Harbour, Hampshire, England. It is 400 m (1,300 ft) long and up to 300 m (980 ft) wide but only rises to a little...

Long Island (Hampshire)

Long Island is an island in Langstone Harbour in Hampshire, England. It is 750 metres (820 yd) long and up to 250 metres (270 yd) wide. Three Bronze Age...

West Hayling

West Hayling is a 76.2-hectare (188-acre) Local Nature Reserve on Hayling Island in Hampshire. It is owned by Havant Borough Council and managed by the...

Staunton Way

The Staunton Way is a 20.5 mile recreational circular walk in Hampshire, southern England, that connects Queen Elizabeth Country Park to Staunton Country...

North Hayling railway station

North Hayling station was a halt on the single track Hayling Island branch, most often used to load oysters caught by local fishermen, but also ornithologists...

North Binness Island

North Binness Island is an island in Langstone Harbour It is 900 metres (980 yd) long and up to 250 metres (270 yd) wide but only rises to 2.5 metres...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.823773,-1.0060591
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.8240232/-1.0081624
Deadman's Head
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.8237524/-1.0062532
Seamark Buoy Special Purpose Colour: yellow
Seamark Buoy Special Purpose Shape: spherical
Seamark Type: buoy_special_purpose
Lat/Long: 50.8200487/-1.0033286
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Deadman's Head?

Leave your review of Deadman's Head below (or comments, questions and feedback).