Results 1 to 14 of 14

Thread: Stanpit Marsh, Christchurch, Dorset

  1. #1
    Super Moderator Catherine's Avatar
    Real Name
    Catherine
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Retford, Nottinghamshire
    Posts
    3,277
    Cameras and Equipment

    Fujifilm FinePix S8200 plus Samsung J5 mobile phone camera. Chinon Compact 9-21 x 25 RB binoculars and 10x - 30x60 Zoom binoculars

    Default Stanpit Marsh, Christchurch, Dorset

    Whether it's on a nice day in spring, summer or autumn, or a chilly day in winter, Stanpit Marsh is certainly worth a visit!

    Access is good and there is parking (to pay, I think!) nearby. There are several 'hostelries' near the entrance, so even the greatest thirst may be quenched quite happily!

    Here are a few sites with info on this historic and beautiful wildlife area;
    Stanpit Marsh Local Nature Reserve - dorsetforyou.com
    Stanpit Marsh
    Dorset Bird Club - Latest Sightings - and there are many more to be 'Googled'!
    On 'Bing Maps' - Bing Maps - where the Stour and the Avon flow down to the sea.

    These photos were taken from a river trip on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, I never saw the Glossy Ibis....
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1. Christchurch lagoon from south - Stanpit to right..JPG 
Views:	468 
Size:	463.0 KB 
ID:	16089   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	2. Looking east across Stanpit Marshes.JPG 
Views:	468 
Size:	500.6 KB 
ID:	16090   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	3. Stanpit and Bailey bridge..JPG 
Views:	610 
Size:	485.9 KB 
ID:	16091   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	4. Bird island on the lagoon.JPG 
Views:	551 
Size:	526.0 KB 
ID:	16092  


  2. #2
    Administrator rolf's Avatar
    Real Name
    Rolf
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Tilehurst, Berkshire
    Posts
    11,264
    Cameras and Equipment

    Olympus E-30, Sigma 50-500mm Lens, Sigma 150mm Macro lens, Zuiko 70-300mm lens, Sigma 50mm F1,4 lens, Extension tube, 1.4x tele-converter, Carbon FibreTripod, Monopod, Vanguard Binoculars, Celestron 80F-ED Scope, Remembird recorder.

    Default

    That looks like a nice trip Catherine, must do the same next time I'm down there.
    Rolf

  3. #3
    Super Moderator Catherine's Avatar
    Real Name
    Catherine
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Retford, Nottinghamshire
    Posts
    3,277
    Cameras and Equipment

    Fujifilm FinePix S8200 plus Samsung J5 mobile phone camera. Chinon Compact 9-21 x 25 RB binoculars and 10x - 30x60 Zoom binoculars

    Default

    Last October we sailed past it, so this October we just had to have a walk around it!

    It was last Saturday, and, at 21c officially, the warmest day for a while. The three Glossy Ibis were still around, but as was our luck, they were on one side of a fence as we were at the other, and flew over our heads when we crossed back over the stile - so we never saw them.

    Our visitors (being Dutch) decided to go on a trip into the New Forest on their bikes that morning, and we had promised to meet them at noon, so time was limited. However, apart from the wonderful views all around, we saw (and heard) many birds on our quick walk around the peninsula.

    Here (I hope) you can see Stanpit Marsh on the peninsula in the middle of this satellite image. The walk around it is clearly seen;
    Stanpit Marsh - Google Maps

    This is the whole of Christchurch harbour taken from a different angle, with Stanpit Marsh in the middle distance, and Hengistbury Head (more later!) in the foreground. http://www.hengistburyhead.org/Index...-3D-versio.jpg

    More information on Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve here;Stanpit Marsh and Nature Reserve
    (I have repeated the links on this post as the ones above no longer seem to work.....)

    The red plant seen on some of the pics is Marsh Samphire (or Common Glasswort) which turns red in the autumn. I believe it is a cullinary delicacy as well!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1. Looking across the marsh to Priory Church and the posh marina village at priory Quay.JPG 
Views:	506 
Size:	458.2 KB 
ID:	18086   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	2. The marshe are alive with wildlife - Dragonflies, Frogs, Crabs - as well as the many birds fe.JPG 
Views:	434 
Size:	323.2 KB 
ID:	18087   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	3. A Little Egret and  pony feed beside Brent Geese, Lapwings and others.JPG 
Views:	402 
Size:	331.4 KB 
ID:	18088   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	4. Ponies graze amongst Lapwings, Brent Geese and others. Mudeford Quay in the background..JPG 
Views:	457 
Size:	247.4 KB 
ID:	18089  

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	5. Looking across Mother Sillar's Channel to the other side, with Mudeford village in the distan.jpg 
Views:	505 
Size:	269.9 KB 
ID:	18090   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	6. Part of the path goes over Mother Sillar's Channel vis the original Bailey Bridge prototype.JPG 
Views:	621 
Size:	277.3 KB 
ID:	18091  

  4. #4
    Super Moderator Catherine's Avatar
    Real Name
    Catherine
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Retford, Nottinghamshire
    Posts
    3,277
    Cameras and Equipment

    Fujifilm FinePix S8200 plus Samsung J5 mobile phone camera. Chinon Compact 9-21 x 25 RB binoculars and 10x - 30x60 Zoom binoculars

    Default

    Sorry there are no more bird pics - blame our rush to get back to our friends for that! However, if you follow this link - more than half way down this page you'll find pics of those Glossy Ibis! Sightings

    Here are some more photos however - just to give you an idea of the variety of habitats on the reserve;
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	7. Mute Swans at the edge of the Avon-Stour confluence.JPG 
Views:	406 
Size:	315.8 KB 
ID:	18092   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	8. Mute Swans take flight.jpg 
Views:	393 
Size:	258.3 KB 
ID:	18093   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	9. The harbour area is still busy with leisure craft as well as fishing boats on their way out t.JPG 
Views:	444 
Size:	338.9 KB 
ID:	18094   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	10. Anglers sit at the edge of the peninsula where the River Stour meets the River Avon.JPG 
Views:	507 
Size:	282.5 KB 
ID:	18095  

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	11. The rusty iron boat is believed to have been a lifeboat in WW2.  It is near here that the Gl.JPG 
Views:	474 
Size:	399.0 KB 
ID:	18096   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	12. Two Grey Heron take a nap - or so it seems.JPG 
Views:	384 
Size:	351.5 KB 
ID:	18097  

  5. #5
    Administrator rolf's Avatar
    Real Name
    Rolf
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Tilehurst, Berkshire
    Posts
    11,264
    Cameras and Equipment

    Olympus E-30, Sigma 50-500mm Lens, Sigma 150mm Macro lens, Zuiko 70-300mm lens, Sigma 50mm F1,4 lens, Extension tube, 1.4x tele-converter, Carbon FibreTripod, Monopod, Vanguard Binoculars, Celestron 80F-ED Scope, Remembird recorder.

    Default

    Excellent photos Catherine, certainly in my list of must go to places.
    Rolf

  6. #6
    Super Moderator Catherine's Avatar
    Real Name
    Catherine
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Retford, Nottinghamshire
    Posts
    3,277
    Cameras and Equipment

    Fujifilm FinePix S8200 plus Samsung J5 mobile phone camera. Chinon Compact 9-21 x 25 RB binoculars and 10x - 30x60 Zoom binoculars

    Default

    More from the reserve.... January 2012
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	13.  Kestrel.jpg 
Views:	418 
Size:	319.8 KB 
ID:	18258   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	02.  Brent Geese at Stanpit.jpg 
Views:	502 
Size:	404.8 KB 
ID:	18254   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	01. Mixed flock at the river's edge.JPG 
Views:	436 
Size:	246.9 KB 
ID:	18253   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	10.  Marsh Aster.JPG 
Views:	386 
Size:	277.2 KB 
ID:	18257  

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	09.  Boarding bridges.JPG 
Views:	1221 
Size:	273.6 KB 
ID:	18256   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	03. Brents' landing gear down.jpg 
Views:	379 
Size:	289.2 KB 
ID:	18255  

  7. #7
    Super Moderator Catherine's Avatar
    Real Name
    Catherine
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Retford, Nottinghamshire
    Posts
    3,277
    Cameras and Equipment

    Fujifilm FinePix S8200 plus Samsung J5 mobile phone camera. Chinon Compact 9-21 x 25 RB binoculars and 10x - 30x60 Zoom binoculars

    Default

    And there's more...... Still from yesterday, Friday 13th January
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	04.  Egret in flight.JPG 
Views:	433 
Size:	336.3 KB 
ID:	18259   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	05.  LE in flight a.JPG 
Views:	370 
Size:	290.4 KB 
ID:	18260   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	06.  Little Egret fishing.JPG 
Views:	397 
Size:	353.9 KB 
ID:	18261   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	07.  Little Egret stretching.JPG 
Views:	380 
Size:	321.3 KB 
ID:	18262  

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	08.  Curlew with Redshank group b.jpg 
Views:	377 
Size:	281.9 KB 
ID:	18263  

  8. #8
    Administrator rolf's Avatar
    Real Name
    Rolf
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Tilehurst, Berkshire
    Posts
    11,264
    Cameras and Equipment

    Olympus E-30, Sigma 50-500mm Lens, Sigma 150mm Macro lens, Zuiko 70-300mm lens, Sigma 50mm F1,4 lens, Extension tube, 1.4x tele-converter, Carbon FibreTripod, Monopod, Vanguard Binoculars, Celestron 80F-ED Scope, Remembird recorder.

    Default

    Some great shots again Catherine, shows the area at its best. You perhaps ought to get one of those little beach huts in your first post of yesterday.:0
    Rolf

  9. #9
    Super Moderator Catherine's Avatar
    Real Name
    Catherine
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Retford, Nottinghamshire
    Posts
    3,277
    Cameras and Equipment

    Fujifilm FinePix S8200 plus Samsung J5 mobile phone camera. Chinon Compact 9-21 x 25 RB binoculars and 10x - 30x60 Zoom binoculars

    Default

    Rolf, when they go on sale they're normally over £100,000 each! Like to sponsor us?

    Thanks for your comments re. the pics - many being Glen's ones!

    Stanpit is easier than Keyhaven for you to get to;
    Stay on the M27 (in Bournemouth direction) after it becomes the A31.
    Then pass Travelodge and Little Chef on left, turning left on the road marked 'Emery Down'. (This misses out Lyndhurst which is a bottleneck!)
    You drive through the NF heath (watch for ponies!) and will meet the A35. Turn right on that road and drive straight on to Christchurch.
    Straight on through first two roundabouts, then turn left at Purewell roundabout (signed 'Stanpit')
    Free parking for the reserve is off to the right, not far past The Ship in Distress Inn.
    Kingfishers usually active near the Bailey Bridge and the Rusty Boat. (The latter area being where the Glossy Ibis stayed last year)

    The map on this page shows Stanpit reserve in relation to Purewell roundabout and other places. It also gives more info and links!
    http://www.lymington.org/placestovis...npitmarsh.html

  10. #10
    Administrator rolf's Avatar
    Real Name
    Rolf
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Tilehurst, Berkshire
    Posts
    11,264
    Cameras and Equipment

    Olympus E-30, Sigma 50-500mm Lens, Sigma 150mm Macro lens, Zuiko 70-300mm lens, Sigma 50mm F1,4 lens, Extension tube, 1.4x tele-converter, Carbon FibreTripod, Monopod, Vanguard Binoculars, Celestron 80F-ED Scope, Remembird recorder.

    Default

    Thanks Catherine, is the car park height restricted?
    Rolf

  11. #11
    Super Moderator Catherine's Avatar
    Real Name
    Catherine
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Retford, Nottinghamshire
    Posts
    3,277
    Cameras and Equipment

    Fujifilm FinePix S8200 plus Samsung J5 mobile phone camera. Chinon Compact 9-21 x 25 RB binoculars and 10x - 30x60 Zoom binoculars

    Default

    I don't think so, but cannot be sure.

    Will check next time we are near.

    There is parking at the Leisure Centre, and it is joined to reserve via a path on the map shown on that last link I gave you.
    It's not too far away, but I'm sure you'd find somewhere else nearby.

    If all else fails, there's a large car park at B&Q - a shortish walk away to the north of the Purewell roundabout.

  12. #12
    Administrator rolf's Avatar
    Real Name
    Rolf
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Tilehurst, Berkshire
    Posts
    11,264
    Cameras and Equipment

    Olympus E-30, Sigma 50-500mm Lens, Sigma 150mm Macro lens, Zuiko 70-300mm lens, Sigma 50mm F1,4 lens, Extension tube, 1.4x tele-converter, Carbon FibreTripod, Monopod, Vanguard Binoculars, Celestron 80F-ED Scope, Remembird recorder.

    Default

    Just checked on Street View and it is restricted, as is the leisure centre, although they have a few high vehicle slots on the road outside, normally taken up by small cars it would appear. There does look to be on road parking just along from the recreation ground in Stanpit though, opposite the pub.
    Rolf

  13. #13
    Super Moderator Catherine's Avatar
    Real Name
    Catherine
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Retford, Nottinghamshire
    Posts
    3,277
    Cameras and Equipment

    Fujifilm FinePix S8200 plus Samsung J5 mobile phone camera. Chinon Compact 9-21 x 25 RB binoculars and 10x - 30x60 Zoom binoculars

    Default

    How clever! I'd forgotten about that!

    Yes, I see the high barrier, though I can't understand it as the Scouts' Hall is off the car park, and I'm sure they'll need access to vans and mini buses, etc.

    However Queens Road, Russell Drive and Mudeford Lane should have spaces for you - and they're just before you get to The Ship in Distress Inn. It has a car park too. I've just enlarged the scene to read the prices and a two course lunch is £9.95. I'm sure if you ate there, they'd be happy for you to leave the van in the car park for a few hours!

  14. #14
    Super Moderator Catherine's Avatar
    Real Name
    Catherine
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Retford, Nottinghamshire
    Posts
    3,277
    Cameras and Equipment

    Fujifilm FinePix S8200 plus Samsung J5 mobile phone camera. Chinon Compact 9-21 x 25 RB binoculars and 10x - 30x60 Zoom binoculars

    Default

    A little bit more info....

    I took a pic of Mudeford Harbour from the northern side of the reserve so you could appreciate the vastness of the marshland inside the 'loop', then I zoomed in so you could see the detail of the harbour buildings a little bit more. The wooden building at the front is the new lifeboat station. Behind it, with the rusty-coloured roof is the Haven House Inn - Dorset pub guide: The Haven House Inn in Christchurch - Telegraph. Read the blurb there - and consider it for lunch! There is a (paying) car park, but it's well worth the visit as it sits beside 'The Runs', the fast-flowing current which serves as the entrance to Christchurch Harbour. There you can watch Dolphins (if you're lucky), but also many winter migrants about to enter Stanpit, or on their way to Hengistbury Head. There's also a ferry across 'The Runs', and if you walk past those beach huts (and another eatery) you come to the tip of Hengistbury Head (another nature reserve!)
    Also shown here are the Rusty Boat and the path and stile towards marshier areas where you might be able to see some shyer species!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1. Looking across the marsh to Mudeford harbour.JPG 
Views:	431 
Size:	324.8 KB 
ID:	18265   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	2. Mudeford harbour - zoomed in..JPG 
Views:	393 
Size:	196.1 KB 
ID:	18266   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	3. The old lifeboat.JPG 
Views:	1321 
Size:	527.5 KB 
ID:	18267   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	4. The path to the stile.JPG 
Views:	406 
Size:	327.9 KB 
ID:	18268  

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	5. The stile and wooden way forward.JPG 
Views:	391 
Size:	437.6 KB 
ID:	18269  

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Rare spiders released in Dorset
    By WD-40 in forum Wildlife News feeds
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 17-08-2011, 05:24 PM
  2. Dorset tuna catch 'significant'
    By WD-40 in forum Wildlife News feeds
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 08-08-2011, 02:36 PM
  3. At Christchurch Gardenlands today....
    By Catherine in forum Aquatic Birds, Water Fowl and Seabirds
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 04-04-2011, 07:14 PM
  4. Glossy Ibis at Stanpit
    By Catherine in forum Birds and Birding News
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 15-10-2010, 07:44 AM

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Copyright of members' images remains with the individual member and these images may not be reproduced or downloaded without their written permission.
If you cannot contact the relevant member for permission, please contact Thames Valley Birds and we will pass on your request.

pets and plants

WYW
Birding Top 500 Counter RSPB - Nature's Voice
The Admin Zone Directory of Forums


Top Lists