Chris Packham’s wildlife walkabout at Pulborough

Chris joined reserve staff and members of the public for the walk organised by the Arun and Rother Connections project.

Chris also helped to launch a new wildlife mobile app - ARC Explorer - which allows users to download trails and record species they spot, helping to contribute to conservation efforts.

The technology has been developed as part of the ARC project, a three-year landscape scale project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund to promote a rich and thriving river system where wildlife flourishes and people value the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

Pulborough Brooks is one of the RSPB’s most popular reserves nationally.

In winter thousands of wintering ducks, geese, swans and waders use the flooded brooks. Main species are wigeons, teals, pintails, shovelers, mallards, lapwings, ruffs, snipe and Bewick’s swans. Short-eared owls, barn owls, hen harriers, peregrines, merlins and sparrowhawks are also regularly seen hunting over the reserve.

Rachel Carless, ARC project manager said: “By using the app, people can join a growing community of people who care about our unique landscapes and want to play their part in looking after them.”