Welwick Saltmarsh Nature Reserve

Welwick Saltmarshe Sea Thrift Credit Kirsty Brown

Welwick Saltmarsh Nature Reserve

The surrounding area around Welwick Saltmarsh nature reserve is currently part of a re-alignment project being conducted by the Environment Agency. This work is scheduled to be completed in 2024 and will enhance the habitats that are currently found at Welwick.

Arrangements for access when the works are completed are not currently finalised, but when we have this information it will be available on our website.
 

Welwick Saltmarsh is the most extensive area of saltmarsh on the north bank of the River Humber.

Location

Humber Lane
East Riding of Yorkshire
HU12 0SG

OS Map Reference

TA 338 191
A static map of Welwick Saltmarsh Nature Reserve

Know before you go

Size
44 hectares
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Entry fee

Free
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Parking information

Parking available at the top of Humber Lane.

Walking trails

Please remain on the floodbank - the deep creeks make walking across the saltmarsh hazardous. 

Access

It is advisable to view this nature reserve from the riverbank as accessing the saltmarsh itself can be dangerous and would cause disturbance to wildlife.

Please contact us on 01904 658570 for disabled access information.

Dogs

On a lead

Dogs are allowed on the public footpaths on leads.

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

September to March

About

From the floodbank you can enjoy spectacular views across the mouth of the Humber. Thousands of birds use the Humber estuary including large flocks of golden plover which appear bronze against the mudflats in the evening sun. Hundreds of large, curve-billed curlew feed on the edge of the saltmarsh whilst grey plover, knot and dunlin whir past and drop down to feed on the mudflats. Many of these flocks pass right overhead as they transfer to their inland roosting sites as the incoming tide pushes them for the river edge.
 
Welwick Saltmarsh is also a fantastic location to view wintering raptors and owls. Short-eared owl, merlin, peregrine, marsh harrier, hen harrier and kestrel are all regularly seen.

Enjoy a winter’s afternoon walk to experience the best views of raptors as they hunt along the Humber and take in the big horizons from Spurn to the Humber Bridge as the sun goes down.

In spring scurvy grass creates hundreds of white tussocks across the marsh and mid-summer sees a real show of purple flowers from sea lavender and sea aster. The saltmarsh also supports sea purslane, sea arrowgrass and cord grass. On the land side of the saltmarsh a small area of relic dune containing two ponds supports common reed, bird’s-foot trefoil, spiny restharrow and the curios non-native spring beauty.

Seasonal highlights

  • Spring: Birds - Marsh Harrier; Skylark; Linnet
  • Summer: Plants - Scurvy grass; Sea lavender; Sea purslane; Spiny restharrow
  • Autumn: Birds - Short-eared owl; Hen harrier; Merlin; Curlew; Dunlin
  • Winter: Birds - Barl owl; Peregrine; Golden plover; Knot; Curlew

Directions

Public transport
Nearest bus stop in Welwick village around 2 miles away.

By car
From Welwick village head south down Humber Lane which becomes Row Lane. At the end of the lane take a sharp right and park along Sheep Trod Lane. Walk south down a dust track to the site.

Nearby