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
Medmerry
EarnleyOpenSee opening timesFrom barren flood plain to wild and wonderful wetland, Medmerry is an ever-evolving gem. Follow the winding trails to explore a landscape that's alive with waders, birds of prey and much, much more.
About
Medmerry is one our wild and wonderful reserves, found on the south coast, near Chichester. If offers long walks and bike rides, with panoramic views, glorious sunsets and plenty of wildlife.
The result of one of Europe's largest managed realignment schemes, Medmerry is a real sucesss story for wildlife and people. Discover Medmerry's journey from a flood plain to vibrant nature reserve in this video.
The reserve has 6.25 miles of trails to help you get to know the landscape. It's also just a stone's throw from our Pagham Harbour reserve, where we run family events and creative workshops.
Springtime at the Medmerry stilt pools is enchanting as the wader who stars in our RSPB logo, the Avocet, settles down to breed. Find yourself a vantage point and witness the trials and triumphs of arguably one of our UK’s most elegant birds. The youngsters, looking like little pom-poms on legs, are a joy to watch as they mimic the adults' feeding behaviour within hours of hatching.
Medmerry is a great place to observe birds of prey, and if you brave the bleak winter weather you may be rewarded with the thrill of the chase. We see vast numbers of wildfowl and waders, plus Linnets and finches in large flocks. Like an explosion, the air erupts in a cloud of birds, signifying the arrival of a hunting Peregrine or Merlin hurtling onto the scene like a missile. This is nature in its rawest and most fundamental form, an intense life and death battle of agility, strength and guile.
At a glance
Open at all times.
Earnley car park 15 spaces with height barrier, next to the Earnley concourse, PO20 7JL.
Easton Lane car park 5 spaces, PO20 7JY.
Parking also available at RSPB Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre, PO20 7NE.
No lighting in car parks. No overnight parking or camping.
Please do not park on the road, verges or in gateways, as it causes an obstruction for residents and emergency services.
We have no toilets here, however they are available at our nearby RSPB Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre.
We have no baby changing facilities here, however they are available at our nearby RSPB Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
We have no toilets here, however they are available at our nearby RSPB Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre.
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 public footpaths and bridleways around the nature reserve.
Please keep to the designated rights of way only. Please keep your dog on a lead and under close, effective control at all times, due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats and livestock here.
Leads and dog bags are available from nearby RSPB Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
The take off and landing of drones/UAVs on RSPB Medmerry is not permitted without permission from the site management team.
Cycling is welcome across most of the RSPB Medmerry reserve, with a few important restrictions:
- Not permitted: The top of the bank, which is a public footpath only.
- Ham area: Cycling is not allowed on the public footpaths in this section of the reserve.
Please refer to our downloadable map for full route details and help us protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety by following these guidelines.
No water sports allowed anywhere on the reserve
See what’s here
Plan your visit
Downloadable trail maps
Contact Medmerry
pagham.harbour@rspb.org.uk Medmerry, Selsey Road Sidlesham, West Sussex, PO20 7NE 01243 641508