Portbury Wharf lies on the land
between Portishead and Royal Portbury Dock, adjacent
to the Severn Estuary. Planning consent for the Port
Marine housing development here was granted on condition
that the developers designate a nature reserve on the
adjoining land.
What
to look out for
Large pools close to the foreshore
of the estuary and the other areas of open water in
the reserve provide an invaluable wetland habitat for
rare species such as water vole and otter. Invertebrates
like the hairy dragonfly can be seen here and greater
horseshoe bat can be found hunting for insects here.
The grazing marsh areas are important
for birds such as snipe and lapwing, and the hay meadows
and hedgerows are rich in insect life, providing food
and shelter for many small mammals, which in turn provide
a meal for birds of prey including buzzards and owls.
Future plans
Plans for the future include provision
for an educational facility for local schools and groups.
The site is funded through Port Marine
Management Company that receives income from each of
the residents on site.
The path and cycle way around the development will
link to the segregated bridleway at Sheepway. The
segregated bridleway provides access to the existing
Wharf Lane access.
Public transport
First bus 359 stops at the
Sheepway entrance to the new bridleway. Go to www.traveline.org.uk
Car
From the A369 Portbury Hundered, turn onto Station Road (signposted for Sheepway). Follow the road along for roughly 1.5km, and park in the layby on the right before the humped bridge where the road crosses the old railway tracks.
Please park considerately and do NOT block the horse gates in the layby.
 "Cetti's warbler")
 "Bar owl")
 "Hairy dragonfly")
 "Lapwing")
 "Oyster catcher")
 "Water vole")
