Farlington Marshes are a wild yet accessible place and one of England's premier bird watching areas overlooking Langstone Harbour Open at all times, and set on the urban fringe, the Farlington Marshes plays an important role in maintaining environmental welfare on this heavily developed coastline.
Grazing is vital to the wildlife of the reserve.
The cropped grass provides ideal conditions for visiting waders and wild fowl and has prevented rarer plants from being shaded out. The presence of cattle over the centuries has therefore resulted in a rich community of plants and animals. Their survival depends on the continuation of this practice. A third of the marshes has open access. The rest is managed as a sanctuary for wildlife.