This Periwinkle Shelter Walk at Medmerry Nature Reserve is a 4 km walk that takes in a sculpture, an RSPB nature reserve and the sea.
The Periwinkle Shelter
The Periwinkle Shelter is part of the Culture Spark Project. It was designed and created by local artists, Two Circles Design, and has been installed at Earnley Viewpoint in the Medmerry Nature Reserve on the Manhood Peninsula just west of Selsey.
As the name suggests, it’s in the shape of a large periwinkle and it is made from Sussex and Somerset willow. It was inspired both by the environment (it’s just meters away from the sea) and by the Bronze and Middle Age history of the area (periwinkles were found in a Medieval fish basket by archaeologists here).
Inside the shelter are a couple of small windows, some willow swallows and a bench. The sculpture is not without controversy and some have commented that it looks like a “poo” emoji. But before you dismiss it, why not check it out for yourself.
Culture Spark is a creative partnership between Chichester District Council, Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery.
RSPB Medmerry Nature Reserve
The nature reserve is one of Europe’s largest coastal realignment schemes. It is close to Pagham Harbour and a 3 km cycle route / walk links the two nature reserves. Medmerry Nature Reserve was a flood plain but in order to protect the surrounding villages, a 7 km flood embankment was created and 183 hectares were transformed into intertidal habitats for birds and other wildlife. It was completed in 2013 by the Environment Agency in partnership with RSPB funded by Associated British Ports.
It is awash with birdlife including geese, wildfowl, waders, linnets, finches peregrine, merlin, wheatears, whinchats, ospreys, owls and more.
There are three car parks to access the reserve namely:
- Earnley car park PO20 7JL.
- Easton Lane car park PO20 7JY.
- RSPB Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre, PO20 7NE.
Bear in mind, the coastal path goes around Medmerry Nature Reserve and it is not possible to walk along the beach from Selsey (to the east of the reserve) to the west of the reserve. Earnley car park seems to be the best place to park.
The Periwinkle Shelter Walk
From the Earnley car park, cross the road and follow the track. There are (or were when we walked it) swallow signs along the route. Follow the path for about 2 km bearing right and right again. If you walk on the path on top of the bund, you will eventually see the Periwinkle in the distance.
Once past the water pools on your right, you are there, so stop for a photo shoot before you carry on to the beach.
When we were there they were carrying out flood protection works and the nearby campsite was closed due to flooding so it clearly remains a vulnerable area and flood plain. Walk west (turn right) along the beach. In the distance you can see the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth. When you see the sign for the coastal path, follow it inland towards and past Medmerry Park, up Stoney Lane and then along Drove Lane back to the car park.
If you’re lucky, you may spot deer grazing on the fields and look out for the smallest church in the area at Earnley on your way home.
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