About
Curbridge Nature Reserve is a winding strip of ancient woodland on the tidal River Hamble between Curbridge and Burridge, running down to salt marsh, reed bed and estuary mudflats. Mature oaks and ash grow over hazel coppice, holly and wild service trees, and in spring the floor is covered in bluebells. The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, valued for its over-wintering wetland birds and scarce invertebrates. Look for kingfishers and little egrets on the water, the fairy tree decorated with tokens and wishes, and the 6,000 young trees planted in 2019 to take pressure off the old wood. Reviewers call it a tranquil riverside walk with views of the Hamble, some steps and little wooden bridges, and a pub at one end. Tips from visitors: paths can be rough and wet, and bikes and camping are not allowed. Dogs are welcome on a lead or under close control to protect wildlife. The reserve's footpaths begin a short walk from the village hall car park.
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- CountrysideSee opening notes
Opening times may change at short notice.
The National Trust publishes no opening calendar for Curbridge Nature Reserve; it is open countryside reached on foot from Burridge Village Hall car park, where parking is limited to two hours.
Established footpaths with some rough ground, gentle slopes and areas that can be wet; reviewers mention steps, little wooden bridges and boardwalks. Not suitable for bikes; camping, barbecues and campfires are not permitted. Close gates and take rubbish home.
Dogs are welcome on a lead or under close control to protect wildlife; in summer keep your distance from the reed beds where birds are breeding. Professional dog walkers may use the site if licensed with the Trust.
Photo: The setting sun over the River Hamble, seen from the woods of Curbridge Nature Reserve. Graham Haley, CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shining_Sunset_(34244388495).jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized and cropped for display; derivatives retain the source licence.
Dogs at the location: Allowed. Dogs are welcome throughout the reserve on a lead or under close control to protect wildlife.
Dog walks in the grounds: Allowed. Dogs can walk the reserve's footpaths under control; keep away from the reed beds in the summer breeding season. Free, no ticket needed. Licensed professional dog walkers may use the site.
Leads: On a lead or under close control at all times to protect wildlife; keep your distance from reed beds in summer.
Seasonal dog restrictions: Summer breeding season for reed bed birds: keep dogs under control and away from the reeds.
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Walking routes1 route
Riverside woodland footpaths at Curbridge Nature Reserve(opens the full route on the National Trust site)
WalkDog friendly
