The area is one of the few remaining examples in
southern England of the gradual transition from saltmarsh through
brackish grassland to old unimproved hay meadows. Much of the area is
under tidal influence and supports typical species such as English
Scurvy Grass, Sea Aster, Sea Arrowgrass and Wild Celery. Whilst the
brackish grassland has colonies of Hairy Buttercup, Brookweed and an
internationally rare grass the Bulbous Foxtail. The old hay meadows
support a truly colourful flora, best seen in early May, including
Marsh Marigold, Water Avens, Marsh Valerian, Cowslip, Green Winged and
Southern Marsh Orchids. The reedbed at around 65 - 70 acres is one of
the largest on the south coast, it is intersected by various drains
and tidal creeks and it is here under the willow hosts that the rare
Green flowered Helleborine is found.
Eling Great Marsh can be viewed from 'Goatee Shore'
and is always worth visiting it you are in the area. Here you will see
a good selection of waders and wildfowl from autumn through to early
spring. Wildfowl include Wigeon, Teal and a small flock of Brent
Geese, but colder weather could bring Red-throated Diver, long-tailed
Duck, Slavonian Grebe and Common Scoter, most of these species being
recorded annually. Waders include Oystercatcher, Redshank, Dunlin,
Black-tailed Godwit and Curlew, with Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit.
White-rumped Sandpiper has been recorded.
A feature of the area are the electricity pylons,
scan them carefully, especially near the top and you will probably
find a Peregrine Falcon, there are generally two or three in the area
during the winter months and the pylons are their favourite perches.
Lower Test Nature Reserve can be notoriously
difficult to work, but recent developments have made life a little
easier. The Hampshire Wildlife Trust who manage the site have
constructed two observation hides overlooking a scrape and mere, with
over 400 metres of boardwalk adjacent to a tidal creek and large
reedbed.
The hides give a good panoramic view of the southern
part of the reserve and good views of Marsh Harrier and Osprey, both
of which are regular passage migrants can be seen. The scrape &
Mere normally have a good selection of waders during the spring and
autumn with Green and Common Sandpipers, Greenshank, Black tailed
Godwits and Little Ringed Plover being regular and Wood Sandpiper and
Garganey recorded annually. You will also be very unlucky if you do
not see a Kingfisher.
Lower Test is particularly important for its
breeding birds, Redshank, Snipe and lapwing breed throughout the
grassland area. Nationally important numbers of Reed, Sedge and
Cetti's Warbler breed in the reedbeds along with the occasional pair
of Bearded Reedling. All the common warblers with the exception of
Wood Warbler breed in the hedgerows and scrub fringes.
Winter brings large numbers of wildfowl, mainly
Mallard, Teal and Wigeon, also important numbers of Water Pipit and a
recently found flock of Scandinavian Rock Pipit. It is however in
severe cold weather that the Lower Test really comes into its own,
being tidal it is one of the last places to freeze over in Southampton
Water. The last cold spell in February 1991 brought Marsh Harrier,
American Wigeon, Smew (5 males and 3 females), Goosander, Scaup and
large numbers of all the commoner wildfowl, but it also reduced the
Cetti's Warbler population by fifty percent.
Eling Great Marsh/Goatee Shore can be approached
from the track opposite Eling Tide Mill car park, (so do not go onto
the marsh itself as it is private property and you will only disturb
what you came to see).
The best way to work the Lower Test is to park on
the old road bridges (SU368137) near the Redbridge flyover, which can
only be approached by turning off to Totton from the west bound
carriageway of the A35 and doubling back until you are just about to
meet the A35 again, the turning is on the left. Follow the tidal creek
towards Totton, the entrance to the reserve is by Salterns School. The
path will take you past the hides via boardwalking and then onto a
lane which brings you to the Salmon Leap (SU361144), where you join
the Test Way footpath which crosses the reserve to 'Bell Grossing' (SU
368149), footpaths then go north and south. If you wish to make a
circular walk proceed south until you get to the 'Bonemill Crossing'
and then onto Test Lane where you can get back to your car by road.
Please note there is no access off the footpaths and
designated open space areas, (if found out of bounds the warden is
known to be of dubious parentage), however guided walks to other parts
of the reserve are advertised in the Trust diary.
