Paddlers guide
Paddleboarders and kayakers - you can help the Adur Estuary! Find out how by downloading our Paddlers guide.
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
Adur Estuary
Shoreham-by-SeaOpenSee opening timesEnjoy a ramble around the edges of the River Adur estuary, a wonderland for wading birds and wildfowl where two crucial coastal habitats meet.
About
Just a few minutes’ walk from Shoreham-by-Sea, this stretch of the River Adur estuary is the place to see west Sussex wildlife like wading birds and wildfowl in their element. Oystercatchers, Little Egrets, Ringed Plovers, Lapwings and more look for worms and shellfish in the mud – see them feeding on the reserve and the River Adur at low tide. At high tide, look out for Grey Herons, Snipe, Redshanks and Linnets sheltering in the saltmarsh.
Access to the reserve is restricted so as not to disturb the wildlife and the fragile wetland habitat, but magnificent views across the estuary can be enjoyed from nearby footpaths.
The reserve is located where two important wetland habitats – saltmarsh and mudflats – meet. Both are sanctuaries for birds who thrive where the water joins the land, providing crucial feeding and nesting spots.
At a glance
Free public car park at Adur District Council's recreational field north side of the A259, 10m from site. Alternative 'pay-and-display' on the north side of Beach Road. Both car parks have height restriction barriers (6' 6'').
There are no toilets here. The nearest accessible public toilets are in Shoreham-by-Sea around half a mile away.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Shoreham-by-Sea around half a mile away.
Please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Shoreham-by-Sea around half a mile 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 not allowed on the reserve itself but are welcome when viewing from public footpaths.
See what’s here
Contact Adur Estuary
pulborough.brooks@rspb.org.uk Adur Estuary, A259, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5EN 01798 875851