The island is situated in Portsmouth Harbour, south of Portchester, and consists
of intertidal mudflats, shingle shore, saltmarsh and dry coastal grassland.
At high water it has an area of 1.25 hectares. In the past the island was used by
the MoD for target practice, but in 2000 it was declared to be free of live
ordnance and sold to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, who had already been leasing it for many years.
Pewit Island is an unusual remnant of natural landscape within the modern
developments around Portsmouth Harbour. The vegetation includes plants typical of
saltmarsh, such as Sea Lavender and Golden Samphire. Of primary importance is the island's role
as an undisturbed roosting area for wading birds and wildfowl during periods of high
water. This is especially true in the winter months when numbers are at their highest.
Species of bird most usually seen include Oystercatcher and Curlew, along with Ringed
Plover, Dunlin and Redshank.
Some of the scrub has been cut to give the birds more room to roost.
There isn't really a good place on dry land to see the island from. Try the end
of Seaway Grove, Portchester, but the sun will tend to get in your eyes.
Access is allowed only by permit, but is discouraged during the
winter months to avoid disturbance. Grid ref. SU609038.
A view from Portchester at low water, with some of the navy's
old ships in the background.
