Site Details

INTRODUCTION

The area covered is a 10 kilometre coastal strip from the “old” Severn Bridge, south to the southern end of Chittening Warth. including pools at and near Avonmouth Sewage Works. The eastern boundary is formed mainly by the A403, Aust to Avonmouth coast road. The “patch” is centred on the village of Severn Beach and dominated by the structure of the Second Severn Crossing.

The total number of species seen on Severnside is 262 with 184 recorded in the most prolific year. Like any well watched site, anything can and does turn up. Visits at the right time of year with favourable weather conditions can produce some excellent birds.

Although this is not the most scenic stretch of coast, the area is of great importance to migrant and wintering birds.

The southern end is Chittening Warth, an area of mud flats, salt marsh, unused grazing area that is now overgrown and is a good location for winter Short-eared owls. Just across the coast road is the Sea bank gas power station. A new section of the national cycle way runs past the entrance. Here there are three very small pools and areas of Hawthorn that attract spring and autumn migrants,

The mid point of the patch is the village of Severn Beach and the Second Severn Crossing. The habitat at Severn Beach consists of coastal scrub opposite the Astra Zeneca factory, joining a small area of salt marsh. North of here is the shingle “beach”, the usual location for the high tide wader roost. The tall concrete sea defences then extend north to the Second Severn Crossing.

There are some recently created small pools, the “Orchard pools”, inland from the village, just to the east of the A403 (grid reference ST 543838). One of these pools is easily viewed from the lane here.

The northern section runs from the Second Crossing to New Passage, Northwick Warth then Aust Cliff. The habitat here consists of mud flats and rocky pools at low tide.

New Passage bulges into the estuary. The tidal creek here is attractive to gulls and duck. Here the large over grown garden of “the Glen”, with its pine trees, can be attractive to migrants and is easily viewed from the public footpath.

The salt marsh and rough grazing of Northwick Warth extend all the way north to Aust. Brackish pools and “The Flash” may be present depending on the height of recent tides. These can hold some good waders. There is a small inland pond, “the grebe pond”, halfway along Northwick Warth. This and the hedgerows can be seen well from the Severn Way or the small number of footpaths that head inland.

Aust Warth is now a regular site for wintering Short-eared Owls and has recently attracted a Long-eared Owl and Barn Owls.

Much of Severnside and many of the birds throughout the seasons are featured in the excellent DVD production of “Portrait of an Estuary” It is highly recommended. Click here for details.

ACCESS

There is a public footpath (The Severn Way) that runs the entire length of the site as well as minor roads from the A403 into Severn Beach, New Passage and Aust. Other footpaths and bridle ways criss-cross the area and adjacent farmland.

Severn Beach has two shops, a bakery and cafe. Public toilets are also found here near the shops.

Parking is free on public roads, but please park sensibly.

Be aware and don’t leave tempting valuables on view.

AVONMOUTH SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, HOAR GOUT AND THE HONDA POOLS.

Although only recently added to the “official” Severnside Patch, there are pools next to the old Avonmouth incinerator, near the sewage works. Accessed from the A403 into Kingsweston Lane and then left onto the road to the refuse works, a small “square pool” is viewed from the road. It attracts an astonishing number of ducks for its size. The sewage works area has attracted Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Grey Phalarope, Bearded Tit, Ring-necked Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Great Grey Shrike, Marsh Warbler etc. and is always worth a quick view from the road. The best times are early morning and late afternoon when there is little traffic to the refuse sorting area.

Hoar Gout is a pool between the sewage works and the Cabot Park and is viewed from the road. There are other pools at the sewage works, one of which can be viewed distantly across the road from Hoar Gout.

The two Honda Pools are strictly private with no access but can be viewed distantly from the pavement on the coast road at Rockingham Bridge as it crosses the railway. A national cycleway passes near the north edge of one of the pools where singing birds can be heard.

If you visit any of the sites mentioned, enjoy the birds.

If you need further information or are fortunate enough to find a rare or interesting sighting, please e-mail me, Paul Bowerman, at: killdeer50@rocketmail.com