About the reserve

In a sheltered northern corner of Poole Harbour, the coarse heathland of the Lytchett Bay reserve gradually transforms to reedbed and smooth tidal mud flats, creating an ideal habitat for a variety of reptiles and birds, including rare and migrant species. The reserve is part of The Great Heath Living Landscape and managed in partnership with the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust.

This internationally important area is one of few places where the natural change from heathland to marshland habitats, which could once be found all round Poole Harbour, can be experienced. The reserve is also part of the Lytchett Bay Nature Park, a crucial area for wading birds and wildfowl. 

The heathland habitat supports a range of species including rare reptiles and rare breeding birds.  Sand lizards bask in the sun, while Dartford warblers sing from perches above. At dusk on a warm, summer evening, listen out for the churring song of a visiting nightjar. Summer also brings the repetitive song of the migrant reed warbler drifting through the golden-tipped reed beds. Year-round, wildfowl and waders, such as little egrets, make the most of the abundant invertebrate life of the sheltered mudflats, including worms, crustaceans, molluscs and insect larvae. In addition to rich birdlife, 19 species of fish have been recorded in Lytchett Bay.

Useful Information

A choice of two parts of the reserve to visit in Upton, Poole.

1. At junction of Lytchett Way and Shore Lane, Upton signposted Footpath No.12;
2. Sandy Lane, Upton (just west of Otter Close).  
Safe pavement walking to reserve from Upton, Hamworthy and Lytchett Minster.  Short distance from Moorland Way bus stop routes 8 and 9.  1.2km from Hamworthy railway station.  On street parking.