Titchfield Haven as we know it appeared in the early 20th century and was acquired by Colonel John Stirling Alston in 1929.  Haven Cottage had been in place since 1614 and Haven House since about 1820.   In 1959, 316 acres were declared a site of special scientific interest.

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In 1972, the Haven and Haven House and Cottage were sold by Colonel Alston's estate to Hampshire Council Council.

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Many important sightings were recorded: Cetti's warblers, sociable plovers, spotted sandpipers, cattle egrets, penduline tits and red throated pippets, with successful breeding of bearded tits, Savi's warblers, Cetti's warblers, little ringed plovers and black tailed godwits.

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In 1992, the new manager responsible for the Haven was told to find £250,000 to invest in Haven House or it would be sold. In three months, he put in a bid for the National Lottery, secured £250,000 and Haven House has been the Visitor Centre enjoying 85,000 visits every year since then.