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RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve
RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve is a nature reserve near Earnley, West Sussex. It scores 72 out of 100 for off-lead dog walking (Not for off-lead).
| Off the lead? | No: dogs must be on a lead |
|---|---|
| Where | Nature reserve near Earnley, West Sussex |
| Size | About 1,380 acres (559 ha) |
| Water for a swim | There's a lake and a river, but dogs are asked to keep out of the water. |
| Parking | There are several car parks on or near it. |
| Livestock | Yes, grazing here |
| Ground | Expect mud after rain: the ground is mostly sandy soil that drains quickly. |
| Shade | 0% woodland |
| Suggested loop | 2.8 miles, about 70 minutes |
What it's like
A huge nature reserve of about 1,380 acres, with 10 miles of paths. There's a lake and a river, but dogs are asked to keep out of the water. Expect mud after rain: the ground is mostly sandy soil that drains quickly. It's mostly open, with little shade on a hot day. It's well away from main roads. There are several car parks on or near it.
Dogs
Dogs must be kept on a lead here.
You're responsible for your dog. Before you let it off the lead, read the signs at the entrance, look out for livestock and roads, and make sure it will come back when called.
Watch out for
- Harbour mudflats are soft and the tide comes in fast. Keep your dog off the mud and check tide times.
- Livestock graze here. Put your dog on a lead near them.
- Protected area: RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve
Parking
- Car park · free · Directions
- Car park · free · 12 spaces · Directions
- Car park · 17 m from the edge · Directions
- Car park · 58 m from the edge · Directions
Suggested loop
A 2.8-mile loop from the car park with about 10 m of climbing , about 70 minutes at a dog's pace. About 750 m of it is on lanes or drives that cars use.
Shown dashed on the map above. Drawn by computer from OpenStreetMap paths. We haven't walked it: paths can be missing, private, closed or overgrown.
Pubs and cafés nearby
- Bracklesham Bay Tea Rooms & Garden · Café · · 0.6 mi from the car park · Directions
- Pond Barn · Restaurant · · 0.6 mi from the car park · Directions
From OpenStreetMap. Dog policies only show where someone has mapped them, and they change. Run one of these? Get listed
Questions
Can dogs go off the lead at RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve?
Dogs must be kept on a lead here.
Is there parking at RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve?
There are several car parks on or near it. Parking: free.
Can dogs swim at RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve?
There's a lake and a river, but dogs are asked to keep out of the water.
Are there cows or sheep at RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve?
Yes. Livestock graze here, so put your dog on a lead near them.
Is RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve muddy?
Expect mud after rain: the ground is mostly sandy soil that drains quickly.
How long is a walk at RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve?
Our suggested loop is about 2.8 miles (4.5 km) from the car park and takes about 70 minutes at a dog's pace, with about 10 m of climbing.
Where this comes from
RSPB asks dogs on a lead and under close control, citing wildlife and livestock; stay on public rights of way. About 6.25 miles of trails. No toilets on site.
Researched online in November 2026. Nobody from Find Dog Walks has checked this place in person. Mud and shade are estimated from geology and woodland maps.
Something wrong? Open it on the map and use "Report a problem with this page", or email [email protected].