Wildflower walk - Coastal plants

Service Description

The coastal habitats of Hayling Island’s south coast are some of the best in the UK. This walk will introduce a selection of the typical summer-flowering plant species of shingle, dunes, and coastal grassland. Some of the plants are very small, so we will be getting on hands and knees at times! This will be an out-and-back walk between the Ferry car park (SZ 6886 9963) and Gunner Point on Sinah Common (SZ 6941 9896). There will be frequent stops to observe and photograph plants, and the general walking pace will be slow with regular stops. The walk is suitable for anyone with an interest in wild plants, and specialist knowledge is not required. There will be frequent opportunities to take photographs and simply enjoy the incredible flora of this beautiful location. The walk will be led by Havant Borough Council’s Principal Ecologist, who is an experienced botanist and the South Hampshire vice county recorder for the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. The route is generally flat but with uneven sections across shingle and sand. Appropriate footwear is needed. The habitat is exposed and with no cover from sunshine if conditions are hot – please dress appropriately, wear sunscreen, and bring sufficient water. No dogs please, unfortunately: the area supports very sensitive wildlife including ground-nesting bird species. Public toilets are available by the Ferry Boat Inn. Meet at the southern end of the Ferry car park. Current parking charges are: 2 hours - £3.50 3 hours - £5.10 4 hours - £6.90 5 hours - £9.50 All day - £11.80 There is limited free parking available at the Gun Site https://maps.app.goo.gl/jtWcb2W9QenY1zTj6. It is a minimum 25-minute walk along shingle from here to the walk meeting point.