Keyhaven Marshes Traditional Cache
Warkey: Owner has moved on
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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A popular spot adjacent to the Cut Bridge which takes the Solent Way over the Dane Stream as it enters the tidal reaches of the Keyhaven Marshes.
There can be a lot to see at this location including views across the marshes and down the Solent with opportunities of spotting a variety of coastal wildlife, during high tides and strong winds watching sail boarders performing their tricks on the quieter waters within the lee of the Hurst Castle spit and on climbing up onto the spit enjoying looking across the sea to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.
If you have not already done the multi-cache Driftwood Blue (GC3PJ0R) then this cache can be included on your circuit whilst doing that one.
The cache is a small clip style box suitable for swaps. Stealth will be required as it can be a high muggle area. Therefore please ensure it is replaced where you found it and well hidden out of sight before you leave.
The Keyhaven Salt Marshes have been protected from the impact of strong winds and coastal erosion by the Hurst Castle Spit which historically was formed through the long shore drift of gravel eastwards along the coast at this point. The area behind the spit provides a sheltered place for sediment accumulation and for the pioneer colonising eel grass plant to establish itself, thereby helping to further stabilise the marsh area through trapping sediment and encouraging the salty marsh to thrive.
The earlier construction of sea protection works further along the coast to the west has starved the spit of the natural sediment accumulation processes. By 1996 this was perceived to be a threat to the integrity of the whole spit and a shoreline management plan was put in place to strengthen and widen the spit. However it still continues to suffer from coastal erosion. The recent Valentine night’s storm in 2014, when strong waves completely overtopped the spit, severely damaged large sections necessitating major works to restore the spit to its original profile.
This human modification of the coastline combined with the on-going impacts from climatic events could have major ramifications for the long term health and sustainability of the present ecosystems within the Keyhaven Salt Marshes. This is a major concern for the future of this area. The Marshes though are designated as an SSSI area as well as forming part of the New Forest National Park.
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