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
Langstone Harbour
StokeOpenSee opening timesA rich patchwork of wetland habitats where waterbirds thrive – look out for Dark-bellied Brent Geese, terns and Whimbrels, as well as passing birds of prey.
About
Waterbirds thrive at Langstone Harbour – a reserve blending tidal mudflats, saltmarsh, seagrass meadows and shingle. Get up close to the wildlife at the old Oysterbed lagoons on the Hayling Island shoreline. We do keep some parts of the reserve wildlife-only, but you can still watch all the goings-on at a safe distance from the harbour’s coastal paths. Look out for terns fishing in the lagoons, gulls looking for a mate, Black-tailed Godwits searching for invertebrates and maybe even the odd Osprey soaring overhead in September.
Langstone Harbour nature reserve is a wetland wonderland and we manage it for the benefit of breeding seabirds, wintering wildfowl and waders, as well as other wildlife that calls it home.
Our regular work involves getting the habitat ready for breeding season each spring, keeping tabs on the nesting birds and making sure the offshore islands are free from disturbance. We also get involved with scientific studies and share our knowledge with the public where we can.
At a glance
The RSPB does not manage a car park here. There are two small free public car parks adjacent to the West Hayling Local Nature reserve.
Both of these can be accessed directly from the Havant Road (A3023) leading on to Hayling Island.
The most northern of the car parks is the first right after crossing the bridge (this requires a 10-minute walk to the old Oysterbed lagoons) and the southern car park is the first right directly after the Esso petrol station, indicated by the Nature Reserve sign (this car park is a short 5-minute walk to the lagoons).
No toilets on-site. The nearest public toilets are on the way back towards Langstone around a mile from the car park.
No toilets on-site. The nearest public toilets are on the way back towards Langstone around a mile from the car park.
Pushchair Accessible
Pushchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
No toilets on-site. The nearest public toilets are on the way back towards Langstone around a mile from the car park.
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 allowed on public rights of way. The reserve is managed as a safe home for breeding birds, so please keep dogs on a lead at all times. This nature reserve is an important place for wildlife.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Langstone Harbour
langstone.harbour@rspb.org.uk RSPB Basepoint, Harts Farm Way, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1HS 01273 775333