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In partnership with:
Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries
Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 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.
- In partnership with: Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries
At a glance
Brading station car park is closest, there are additional public car parks in Brading Town (charges apply).
For access to the eastern part of the reserve, further car parking can be found at the National Trust's Bembridge Duver, 4 miles from the station,
For access to the southern parts of the reserve. parking can be found at Culver Down, 3 miles away from the station.
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.
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 Wight, PO36 0DY