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INTRODUCTION
The area covered is a 10 kilometre coastal strip from the “old” Severn Bridge, south to the southern end of Chittening Warth. 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 253 with 174 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 the best 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. These are new but have attracted a few migrant ducks and Little Egret.
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.
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. Someone once said to me; “the only way to prevent car theft or crime is to leave your wife and/or large dog in the car!”
Be aware and don’t leave tempting valuables on view.
Visit the links page for local tide times (Avonmouth plus approx. 10 mins.), weather and wind predictions.
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