Virtual Field Trips
Solar Boat
4. Sandy Point, Hayling Island
Sandy Point is located on the south east of Hayling Island at the entrance to the Harbour opposite East Head. This part of Hayling Island is quite highly developed and so hard sea defences are required to protect the area from flooding during high tides and stormy weather. The spit, formed in a similar way to East Head has remained fixed in its current position for a long period of time due to protection by sea defences.
Aerial view Hayling Island Spit
Matt Simmons
Click here to find out how a spit is formed
There are several important habitats within a small area: saltmarsh, vegetated shingle, mudflats, sand dunes and coastal heath.
Click here to find out more about some of
these habitats
Sandy Point Nature Reserve
Hound·s-Tongue
Sandy Point Nature Reserve
This interesting habitat is the largest and most important remaining piece of heathland on Hayling Island. It is a designated Local Nature Reserve and included in the Harbour’s Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation.
It has a wide range of flora and fauna including 3 species of heather, 3 species of gorse, Common Dodder, Dartford Warbler, Adders, Lesser Cockroach and the Bordered Grey moth.
The heathland is managed by periodic grazing of Highland Cattle that helps to maintain the diversity of species.
Hayling Island Sailing Club at Fed. Week
(Matt Simmons)
Hayling Island Sailing Club
The largest building that can be seen from the water belongs to Hayling Island Sailing Club. This was built in 2001 with funding from the Heritage Lottery in recognition of becoming the RYA's Centre of Excellence on the south coast. It replaces a 1930’s two-storey brick building.
The Club was formed in 1921 by seven enthusiastic sailors and held its first regatta in 1922. To find out more about the club today click here
Hayling Island Lifeboat Station
Hayling Island Lifeboat Station
Although this tiny lifeboat station can only just be seen from the solar boat, it provides a vital service for the Harbour and open coastline.
It has two inshore lifeboats that are on call at all times and manned by local volunteers.
The lifeboat station has a small museum that is occasionally open to the public. It is one of the most welcoming places in the Harbour.
To find out more about the lifeboat station click here.
Rock groynes and revetements
Sea Defences
Eastoke Point at the Harbour mouth has suffered huge erosion for many years, while accretion has taken place on the northern tip of Sandy Point. Groynes, gabions and recharge schemes have been employed to inhibit the northwards drift of sediment.
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