National Trust - East Head

23/05/2026

Enjoy your visit to East Head safely. Keep hydrated, stay out of the midday sun and no disposable BBQs on site.

Due to the highly flammable nature of Marram Grass all BBQs must be set up away from the sand dunes.

23/05/2026

The Southern Marsh orchids are out in full bloom in the dunes and are looking stunning in the welcome sunshine.
On your visit to East Head remember we are lucky enough to have ground nesting birds in the dunes (Skylarks) and on the end of the Spit (Ringed Plovers). To support these birds please keep dogs on leads in these areas. There’s enough space for people and nature to thrive at East Head if we all do our little bit.

07/05/2026

At certain times of the year we get asked questions about the ‘dead’ crabs on the saltmarsh path. Visitors are often surprised to hear that they aren’t dead crabs but exoskeleton shells that have been discarded as the crabs moult into new shells. The shells are rigid so they don’t grow with the crab. The crab absorbs water to swell, cracking the old shell at the back. It then slowly wiggles out its legs, claws, and body. It’s a fascinating process and one that happens multiple times during a crab’s lifetime. After moulting their bodies are quite soft but harden after a few days.

07/05/2026

At certain times of the year we get asked questions about the ‘dead’ crabs on the saltmarsh path. Visitors are often surprised to hear that they aren’t dead crabs but exoskeleton shells that have been discarded as the crabs moult into new shells. The shells are rigid so they don’t grow with the crab. The crab absorbs water to swell, cracking the old shell at the back. It then slowly wiggles out its legs, claws, and body. It’s a fascinating process and one that happens multiple times during a crab’s lifetime. After moulting their bodies are quite soft but harden after a few days.

22/04/2026

Fencing reinstalled, can you spot the Skylark that was watching over us whilst we worked? They were in full voice today. 🥰 We also spotted some stunning Green Winged Orchids within the dunes. East Head never fails to deliver wonders of the natural world. A very special place indeed.

20/04/2026

Can you help? Some of the rope fencing in the dunes has been removed by visitors to East Head. This has been reported to the police as theft. Please contact the ranger team either through messaging or emailing [email protected] with any information.
The ranger team are working this week to replace the missing fencing. The ropes are there to protect the most sensitive areas where skylarks are nesting to minimise disturbance.

17/04/2026

It’s shaping up to be a gorgeous Spring weekend down at the beach. When you visit East Head please be aware of responsible dog walking to help us protect our amazing birdlife.
1. Skylarks are nesting so dogs on leads wherever walking in the dunes.
2. Ringed Plovers have been sighted at the northern end of the Spit this week looking for an ideal nesting spot so please give them plenty of space by keeping your four legged friend alongside or on a lead if recall is a challenge.
3. Use the bags provided and pick up your dog poo and use one of the bins provided on site.
Thank you for your co-operation in helping us share the space at East Head.

09/04/2026

🥰

If you're heading to East Head any time soon, keep an eye out for the fencing towards the end. It's there to provide protection for the beach-nesting birds including Ringed Plover. Can you help us share the love for the Plover? Tell all your friends, spread the word about these special birds and help us reduce disturbance so they can successfully raise chicks this year!

05/04/2026

It’s a glorious day at East Head on this Easter Sunday. The sun is shining but the wind is blowing too. We may not have any Easter chicks yet but the skylarks are nesting in the dunes so please remember to put your pooch on a lead as you walk through them. You may be lucky enough to spot some early spring pollinators - Collettes bees buzzing around the budding willows. We are also keeping our eye out for the arrival of the Ringed Plovers at the top end of the Spit - that are masters of disguise!

08/02/2026

Coast and Country Canines were at East Head today talking to visitors about this great initiative. It was lovely to meet dogs and their owners and talk about wildlife aware dog walking and the great free resources available on their website.

If you have a dog and are keen to level up your recall, Coast and Country Canines have got you covered. The Total Recall Challenge started at the beginning of February and will run throughout the month.

The challenge is to boost your dog’s recall skills, and the Coast and Country Canines team have put together a series of recall games and guides for you to follow at your own pace.

Not only does a solid recall keep our dogs safe, it's essential for keeping wildlife safe too 🐦🐇🦆🦌

The migratory birds that spend the winter on the Solent coast are especially vulnerable to disturbance. When they are chased, or even if our dogs just get a little too close, the birds panic and waste precious energy running, swimming or flying away 😔

By recalling our dogs away from coastal birds before this happens, we can help them survive and thrive 💙

Find out more about the Total Recall Challenge: https://coastandcountrycanines.org/total-recall-challenge/