Birdwatching in Selsey

One of the finest birding locations on the south coast

Selsey and the Manhood Peninsula are among the best locations for birdwatching on the south coast of England. The combination of Pagham Harbour, the Medmerry reserve, the coastal foreshore and the agricultural hinterland creates a mosaic of habitats that supports a remarkable diversity of bird species throughout the year. The area attracts birdwatchers from across the country, and rare visitors to the peninsula generate considerable excitement in the birding community.

Pagham Harbour, the tidal inlet to the east of Selsey, is a nationally important nature reserve managed by the RSPB. The harbour's mudflats and salt marsh support large wintering populations of dark-bellied brent geese, wigeon, teal, pintail, dunlin, grey plover, knot and other wading birds. In summer, little terns breed on the shingle spit at Church Norton, and the harbour supports reed warblers, sedge warblers and bearded tits in the reedbed areas. The RSPB visitor centre near Sidlesham provides hides, information and guided walks.

The Medmerry reserve, created by the managed coastal realignment in 2013, has rapidly become a major birding site. Avocets, lapwings, ringed plovers and oystercatchers breed on the new shingle and salt marsh. Marsh harriers quarter the reedbeds, and little egrets are a constant presence. In autumn and winter, the reserve attracts large numbers of passage migrants and wintering waders. The flat, circular path around the reserve provides excellent viewing from multiple points.

Selsey Bill itself is a migration watchpoint. During spring and autumn migration, the headland concentrates passing migrants, and visible migration of hirundlings, pipits, wagtails and finches can be impressive on the right days. Offshore, skuas, terns, gannets and other seabirds pass in autumn, and sea-watching from the Bill can be productive during strong south-westerly winds. Rare vagrants turn up periodically, and Selsey has a strong track record for unusual species.

The agricultural fields of the Manhood Peninsula support farmland birds including grey partridge, corn bunting, yellowhammer and skylark, species that have declined nationally but persist in the arable landscape of the peninsula.

For visiting birdwatchers, Selsey offers accommodation, the Crab and Lobster pub for refreshment and easy access to multiple habitats within a small area. The birding community in Selsey is well established, with local knowledge shared through bird reports, social media and the RSPB volunteer network.