Page 11 - Dora Brochure

Nature Reserves

Selsey sits at the end of the Manhood peninsular between
two wetland nature reserves; Pagham Harbour and
Medmerry. At one time they were joined by a river
making Selsey an island, accessible by a ferry and the
“Wadeway” which could be forded at low tide. (The
railway carriages were apparently brought across this by
horse and cart.)

Selsey was originally Seals Ey, meaning seal Island (Ey
is the same derivation as eyot which is used for several
islands in the Thames). Manhood, the name of the
peninsular is from the Old English mǣnewudu meaning
"woodland held in common”.

Both nature reserves are run by the RSPB. Pagham
Harbour is accessed by walking up the beach from Dora,
driving out of Selsey and turning off to Church Norton

or continuing on the main road to the RSPB visitor
centre. It can also be reached via Mill Lane in Sidlesham,
or driving around to the other side at Pagham. You can
walk all the way round the harbour getting very close to
the edges and to the birds. You can also see right up to
the South downs and watch massive flocks of migratory
birds flying in.

Medmerry is very different. It is still quite new,
surrounded by a high bank and fenced off. However the
bank affords wonderful views and flat walking. Like
Pagham you can arrive at the beach at both ends.
Medmerry beaches have spectacular views to Portsmouth
and the Isle of Wight. Access is by footpath or cycle path
from Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre, from a car park
near Ham or from the car park or the beach at Earnley