Pulborough Brooks 11th November 2001 |
In the scenic Arun Valley, this beautiful nature reserve is important for many species of wildlife. In winter, controlled flooding of the wet grassy meadows give refuge to thousands of ducks, geese, swans and wading birds. In spring, many birds breed, including songbirds such as nightingales and wading birds. In the summer, there are many colourful butterflies and dragonflies.
As you walk to the hides in winter you can watch for the large numbers of wintering ducks, also look for small birds in the trees, hedgerows and fields. These can include, amongst many others, flocks of skylarks, meadow pipits, fieldfares, redwings, long-tailed tits, chaffinches, goldfinches, linnets and yellowhammers. As well as ducks, the views from the hides will usually include lapwing flocks and there is the chance of the occasional golden plover, dunlin and black-tailed godwit.
Water rails may be heard, if not seen, near Westmead and Nettley’s hides. Ruffs, from one or two up to twenty or so, should be visible from the hides and could prove to be attractive prey for a hungry peregrine. Bewick’s swans may well have returned from Siberia and, whilst they principally use the reserve as a night time roost, a few can sometimes be seen on the wet meadows during the day.
Opening times:
Reserve open daily (closed 25 December).
Visitor centre open daily (closed 25 and 26 December) 10 am to 5 pm (tearoom closes at 4.45 pm).
How to find the reserve
Signposted off the A283 Pulborough to Storrington Road, about 3 km (2 miles) south-east of Pulborough. To see a location map of the reserve click here.
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Species Seen
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