Reserve Closure
This reserve will close at 1pm on Wednesday 18th September for an all staff meeting. It will reopen as normal on Thursday 19th September.
Days out
Brading Marshes
BradingOpenSee opening timesHop on a ferry from the mainland and visit our reserve that makes up a small part of a beautiful island. Explore the River Yar valley, walking right down to the sea at Bembridge.
About
Our first reserve on the Isle of Wight, Brading Marshes stretches from the village of Brading to the sea at Bembridge Harbour. It's a haven for a wide array of wildlife, ranging from Buzzards, Little Egrets, Green Woodpeckers and Marsh Harriers to butterflies, Hobbies and Red Squirrels.
Brading Marshes is great if you're new to birdwatching. You can see migrant breeding birds and hear Cuckoos, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs in spring. In the winter, spot Fieldfares and Redwings in hedgerows, while Wildfowl and waders flock in large groups.
At a glance
Brading station car park is closest, there are additional public car parks in Brading Town (charges apply).
Further car parking at the National Trust's Bembridge Duver, 4 miles (6 km) from station) for access to the eastern part of the reserve and Culver Down, 3 miles (4 km) away, for access to the southern parts of the reserve.
No accessible toilets on-site. The nearest main public toilets are in Brading, 0.75 mile (1 km) away.
Single toilet within Brading station available on request (when station is open).
The nearest main public toilets are in Brading, 0.75 mile (1 km) away.
Pushchair Accessible
Pushchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Single toilet within Brading station available on request (when station is open).
The nearest main public toilets are in Brading, 0.75 mile (1 km) away.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs are welcome on the paths around the nature reserve. Please keep to the designated paths only.
Please keep your dog on a short lead and under control at all times, due to the sensitive wildlife, habitats and livestock here.
We know that the countryside is a dog walking paradise. It’s important to remember the special surroundings here are wonderful havens for rare wildlife. Even if dogs are very well behaved, wildlife and livestock can easily become startled by a loose dog they perceive as a predator.
Scaring-off wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of season.
Thank you for protecting the special wildlife here by keeping your dog on a short lead and under control.
Please be aware that ponies and goats graze on parts of this site. They’re here to do an important job - creating the ideal habitat conditions for some of the special species to live in. The ponies and goats are largely placid, but please keep a respectful distance from them.
Dogs die in hot cars, please do not leave your dog in the car when visiting us.
Please pick up after you dog and use the dog waste bins that are provide
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Brading Marshes
Brading Marshes, Sandown, Isle of White, PO36 0DY