Welwick Saltmarsh Nature Reserve

Welwick Saltmarsh formed in a sheltered bay when the Patrington Channel was closed early in the twentieth century. Mud and silt accumulating in this embayment raised the level of the mudflats until they were exposed for a sufficient period between spring and neap tides for salt-tolerant plants to colonize. These helped to stabilize the mud and, as more sediment was deposited, other species were able to enter the community successively. Meanwhile the early colonisers were able to establish themselves further into the estuary thus creating the zonation characteristic of saltmarshes.

Only very specialised plants survive the conditions on the saltmarsh. Characteristic plants include succulent glasswort, cord-grass, sea-purslane and sea aster. Sea-lavender and thrift are found on the upper reaches of the marsh. Winter is a good time to view the wintering raptors as they hunt over the salt marsh. Species such as peregrine, merlin, barn owl, short-eared owl, hen harrier, kestrel and sparrowhawk can all be seen in late afternoon. However, a considerable variety of other birds such as dark-bellied brent goose, shelduck, curlew, greenshank, snipe and pipits occur at appropriate times of the year.

The saltmarsh itself requires little management but the sand dunes require hawthorn scrub control. Rough grass is also cut to maintain the wildflower interest.

The reserve was purchased with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund in 1997. The Trust-owned National Nature Reserve of Spurn and Hodgson’s Fields reserve are only a few miles from Welwick.

Directions

From Hull take the A1033 Withernsea road. In Patrington take the B1445 Easington road. At the eastern end of Welwick village turn right down Humber Lane, which becomes Row Lane. When the lane turns sharp right and becomes a dirt track (Sheep Trod Lane), park on the right with consideration for farm vehicles, which may need to pass, and walk left down the dirt track known as Humberside Lane. Climb the bank ahead onto the footpath.