Descripción
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 Ánade azulón, Ánade friso, Porrón Europeo and Porrón Moñudo. I've also seen Martín Pescador Común and Carricero Común 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 Ánsar común, Cerceta Común, Avefría Europea and Ánade azulón but more importantly the sight of Martín Pescador Común and Agachadiza común .
Contuning along the tarmac footpath and you will arrive at the 'Lapwing' hide. Yes, there are Avefría Europea here too as well as Ánsar común and Cuchara Común.
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 Reyezuelo Sencillo and Reyezuelo Listado 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 Mito Común, Mirlo Común and Agateador Euroasiático and a Escribano Palustre nearby.
Turning left here you can visit the 'Sand Martin' hide where it is possible to see Lavandera Cascadeña at the water's edge and species such as Tarro Blanco, Ánsar común, Barnacla canadiense grande, Ánade azulón and perhaps Garceta Común or Cormorán Grande.
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 Rascón Europeo. 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 Reyezuelo Sencillo and Reyezuelo Listado . Walk through the gates and you are in a zone mainly of captive birds but I have also seen the Rascón Europeo and Pardillo Alpino 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 Herrerillo Común, Acentor Común and Petirrojo Europeo but you might even see the Rascón Europeo or Gavilán Común here if you are lucky.
From here, follow the signs for the Reedbed Walk. I have seen a Curruca Capirotada 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.
Detalles
Accesso
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.
Terreno y habitat
Humedal , Árboles y arbustos dispersos , CañizosCondiciones
Plano , Sin sombra , Paisaje abiertoCamino circular
Sí¿Se necesita telescopio?
Puede ser útilBuena época para el avistamiento de aves
Todo el añoMejor momento para visitar
Invierno , PrimaveraRuta
Camino anchoCamino difícil de andar
FácilAccesible vía
A pie , Silla de ruedasEscondite de observación / plataforma
SíInformación extra
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).
