Access

Tanners Lane (SU364955) is located South of the hamlet of East End off of the minor road which runs past Sowley Pond, from which it is sign posted. The lane runs down to the shore where there is a small area in which it is possible to park. However it is best to avoid high spring tides as you could find that you car is surrounded by water.

It is possible to walk  along the shore as far as Lymington to the West thanks to the local ramblers society re-building the various stream crossings and then follow the network of paths inland for the return journey. The area of saltgrass just offshore from Tanners Lane can be very productive during Autumn and winter for numerous Wildfowl and wader species. The summer months the area is home to a large Black-headed Gull colony. The shoreline East of the lane is private and can be difficult to negotiate due to the glutinous mud. In any case many wader species feed and roost in this area so it is best to view from a distance to avoid disturbing the birds.

Birds

During the winter months most of the commoner Wildfowl and Wader species can be seen here with ease such as Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew, Ringed Plover, Pintail, Wigeon, Brent Goose Shelduck etc.. Off shore there is always the possibility of a Diver or one of the rarer Grebes along with the wintering Great-crested Grebes, Eider and Red-breasted Merganser.

The mud bank just East of the lane is a favoured spot for wintering Bar-tailed Godwit. During spring and Autumn Whimbrel are fairly regular here along with Knot, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and the occasional Avocet.

During the summer months Black-headed Gulls dominate the area in their typical noisy fashion and Little, Sandwich and Common Tern are regular visitors.