Working from home can be lonely and cabin fever is not uncommon: I had a spell of it a couple of weeks ago when I absolutely could not face spending another weekend staring at the same four walls. Plus the weather finally hit spring mode and we all know what a day of sunshine means in the UK - everybody out. So when I finally managed to get Liam out of bed, we hit Southsea beach for some shell picking and relaxing listening to waves crash, and he then took me to Farlington Marshes - a nature reserve in Portsmouth, Hampshire. He recently signed up to be a volunteer with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust which means he helps look after the marshes and gets to wear a pretty cute polo - obviously I have stolen the fleece for the evening as I love fleeces and I get cold pretty darn quick.
Farlington Marshes has a beautiful 2.5 mile walk around the edge of the sea which is perfect to take your dogs on - or a family walk if you prefer! It is open all year round and at all times, with plenty of parking for the amount of people that come to visit.
In the winter this nature reserve is home to many migratory birds like brent geese, teals, avocets, and redshanks amongst others who flock to this area in thousands! Which means if you're an avid bird watcher or wildlife photographer, you will find this place amazing. If you're lucky, you can also spot a short eared owl!
We're now in spring and the birds you can expect to see are redstarts, wrynecks, lapwings, skylarks, wheatears and whinchats - you may want to google what these guys look like before going to you can impress your family or friends! Basically this is an incredibly busy marsh when it comes to birds and other wildlife.
Cattle can be found grazing on the marshes, and there are plenty of rabbits around - I was amazed that we saw a black rabbit at sunset, they're magical! Not only are they pretty rare in the wild, but black rabbits have also been linked to lore: witches, familiars, and magic! Anyone else a little bit of a lore geek? No? Just me then...
We walked all around the sea wall, and I loved the smell of the sea - there is a lot of seaweed around, and that's the smell I really enjoy as it reminds me of weekends and holidays being by the beach. With benches dotted around the walk you can enjoy a sandwich or a hot cup of tea carried in a thermos from home - just how you like it.
Farlington marshes are beautiful during a sunny day, or as we found out by the end of our walk, at sunset. On a clear day the sky is beautiful and from one side of your walk you have the sea and nature, but turn your head and you're overlooking the busy streets of Portsmouth all lit up at night. Most of the animals are going to bed and you get an eerie sense of calm, and tiredness - fresh air and the feel of bedtime at dark really hit me!
Don't be surprised if at the end of your sunset walk at Farlinton Marshes, just as you walk out, a smooth and curious Mr Fox comes to say good night - this happened to us and we saw a fox wondering merely 3 meters away from us. He was absolutely beautiful with big eyes and a curious nature. I love foxes, and I've never been this close to one in the wild but it certainly made my night. I just hope he didn't eat the black rabbit during his midnight munchies!!
Will you be visiting the marshes for a spot of fresh air and nature watching?
q3123
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