Hampshire: Titchfield Haven. Marine and non-marine meeting.

Titchfield Haven near Fareham has an interesting mix of molluscan habitats both marine, freshwater and land.  It has a muddy sand/bound shingle beach that is usually rich in dead shells, including the Quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria) that came into Southampton Water in the 1950s and these continue to thrive [see Mollusc World for November 2011, pp 25-27].  The very low almost Spring tide will allow us to explore the shore for live records and also seaweed (including reds) for washing.  Low tide is not until late afternoon and here there is the ‘double Solent’ tide caused by the Isle of Wight which retards the going out.  Therefore we will use the time before lunch to explore the Titchfield Canal (freshwater) and surrounding wetland before following the tide out in the afternoon. There is a Visitor Centre on site with bookshop, refreshments and general facilities, entry is free but it does not have a car park.  Parking is along the sea wall and it is less congested towards the west end of the beach.  From the A27 follow the brown heritage signs to the Titchfield Haven Visitor Centre via the B3334 and then at Stubbington, right through Hillhead and the coast road to the Haven. Meet at 11:00 h at grid ref. SU 534024.  We will lunch somewhere on the sea wall and anyone arriving just for the marine part of the day will find us easily on the shore.  Wear suitable warm and waterproof clothing, footwear with a good grip and bring pond nets, trays etc. for freshwater work in the morning.  High tide (4.7 m) is at 11:15 BST and low tide (0.6 m) at 16:50 BST.

 

Public transport: the nearest railway station is Fareham. The bus (33, First), from Fareham bus station to Hillhead, Solent road, leaves at 20 min past each hour and the circular route returns from Hillhead at 50 min past the hour, last one 17:50 h. There is a Premier Inn with close access to the train station at Fareham. Further information obtainable from the leader.