Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Medmerry RSPB Reserve is one of the largest wetland restoration sites on the south coast of England, located near Selsey in West Sussex. Created through a managed realignment project completed in 2013, the reserve was formed by breaching the existing sea defences to allow the sea to flood previously enclosed farmland. This transformation has created a diverse range of habitats including saltmarsh, intertidal lagoons, grazing marsh, and shingle ridges. Medmerry supports a wide array of wildlife, particularly migratory and breeding birds such as avocets, little egrets, marsh harriers, and numerous wading species. The reserve plays an important role in flood management, protecting local communities by providing a natural flood storage area. Visitors can explore several miles of marked trails through varied habitats, with multiple hides and viewing points perfect for birdwatching and photography. The area also offers peaceful coastal walking experiences and opportunities to learn about innovative environmental engineering and habitat restoration. Medmerry is open year-round and attracts visitors interested in wildlife, coastal ecology, and landscape-scale conservation. It is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) with a focus on habitat enhancement and community engagement.
