The seafront is home to important coastal habitats, wildlife and green spaces. We work to protect and improve these areas so they can be enjoyed now and in the future.
Caring for swans at Canoe Lake
Canoe Lake’s swans are an important and much‑loved part of the seafront. The council works with partners to support their wellbeing and raise awareness about how to look after them.
You can help by feeding them responsibly:
- swans naturally eat plants, grasses and aquatic life
- if you choose to feed them, suitable options include:
- leafy greens such as lettuce or cabbage
- grains like oats or sweetcorn
- specialist swan or duck food pellets
- avoid feeding large amounts of bread or processed food, as this can harm their health and the water environment by encouraging the growth of algae
Feeding responsibly helps keep the swans healthy and protects the wider environment.
Find feeding advice from Swan Lifeline.
Eastney vegetated shingle
Parts of Eastney Beach are home to a rare habitat known as vegetated shingle.
This may look like a simple pebble beach, but it supports specially adapted plants and wildlife that can survive in tough coastal conditions:
- it’s a nationally important habitat and designated as a conservation area
- it supports rare coastal plants and provides shelter for insects and birdlife
- these plants are fragile and can be easily damaged by trampling
You can help protect this habitat by:
- keeping to paths where possible
- avoiding walking on vegetated areas
- taking your litter home
Find information about Eastney’s vegetated shingle.
Helping protect nature
Across the seafront, our teams carry out ongoing work to protect wildlife and green spaces.
You can help by respecting habitats, reporting any issues you see, and following guidance when visiting.
Find wildlife in Portsmouth, including our team’s contact details.