WWT Arundel

West Sussex > United Kingdom

A wetlands reserve with good facilities that has a mix of local birds in a natural habitat and also some captive ones. Run by the WWT. Admission prices apply.

Added* by Ray Pettit
Most recent update 7 December 2022

Description

Wetland habitat in a valley on the fringes of this historic town. This reserve is managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust founded by Sir Peter Scott. Upon entering there is a refreshment area that looks out on to water mainly frequented by geese.. Towards the right there is a notice board indicating birds that may be present.

Let's take a circular tour by turning left from the visitor centre. After a few metres, by some distinctive buildings, it is possible to take an electric boat ride which bring you close to various ducks such as Mallard, Gadwall, Common Pochard and Tufted Duck. I've also seen Common Kingfisher and Reed Warbler from the boat here. I find this a very relaxing experience. The boat is extra and must be booked at the visitor centre.

Leaving the boat turn left at the nearby footpath junction. Passing mainly captive birds and after a short while you will see the 'Ramsar' hide to the right. From here you will often see Greylag Goose, Common Teal, Northern Lapwing and Mallard but more importantly the sight of Common Kingfisher and Common Snipe .

Contuning along the tarmac footpath and you will arrive at the 'Lapwing' hide. Yes, there are Northern Lapwing here too as well as Greylag Goose and Northern Shoveler.

You now need to return to the junction near the boat rides, but this time turn left. Adjacent to here are areas with captive waterbirds which I won't cover here but may be of interest to some people. At this point you should keep your eye out for Goldcrest and Firecrest which are often seen flitting amongst the trees. Often seen around the trees to the left here, or around the garden. In the garden area I have also seen Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird and Eurasian Treecreeper and a Reed Bunting nearby.

Turning left here you can visit the 'Sand Martin' hide where it is possible to see Grey Wagtail at the water's edge and species such as Common Shelduck, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard and perhaps Little Egret or Great Cormorant.

Turning back, you can then visit the Scrape Hide very nearby. But immediately before that there is a patch of grass and is a favoured spot for Water Rail. In the hide itself, it is usually a good idea to look right to see if there is warbler in the bushes.

Exiting the hide, turn left along the long straight path. I find the next hide , the 'Reedbed' hide a quiet one, but you never know! At the very end of the path turn left, but before doing so, check the small trees for Goldcrest and Firecrest . Walk through the gates and you are in a zone mainly of captive birds but I have also seen the Water Rail and Lesser Redpoll here.

Beyond here you can access the Woodland Hide using two different routes. There are bird feeders here which attract the usual suspects such as Eurasian Blue Tit, Dunnock and European Robin but you might even see the Water Rail or Sparrowhawk here if you are lucky.

From here, follow the signs for the Reedbed Walk. I have seen a Blackcap in this area. This will bring you back out on the long straight path. You can then make your way back to the visitor centre by turning left. As you approach the centre, there is another 'captive' area which in 2020 will have an aviary and some pelicans.

Details

Access

By car, you need to aim for Arundel town centre where the reserve is signposted at the roundabout immediately north of the river. You need to go along Mill Lane which is a cul-de-sac and not a through road.

You need to pass the area on the left with a small lake as this is completely different from the reserve. A bit further on the right you will see the entrance and car park. Lat and long is 50.863710 -0.551904 and the post code BN18 9PB

All of the reserve is good for wheelchairs as paths are tarmac or boardwalk.

The nearest bus serves Arundel town centre a mile away. Route 9 to Littlehampton is every hour - check the Stagecoach website for times. The train station is further out - another half-mile.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , Reedbeds

Conditions

Flat , No shadow , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

You can buy a hot meal here between 12 and 14.00 and the cafe is open until 17.00 (16.00 in winter). The reserve opens at 9.30 and closes at 17.30 (16.30 in winter).