Coot chick among wetland centre attractions

Newly-hatched coot chicks, wild ducklings, and swan cygnets await families who visit the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, in Mill Road, over the holiday period and beyond.

Centre manager Dave Fairlamb said: “Our coot chicks are so ugly they’re cute.

“It’s a great time to see all the new life springing forth around the reserve.”

The greatest variety of coot species occurs in South America, but the birds are also common in Europe.

As well as the coot and hundreds of species of birds, the wetland centre is also home to creatures like otters, watervoles and dragonflies.

WWT wetland centres hold year-round events such as walks and talks, safaris and feeding sessions, photography and craft classes, children’s activities and a host of special guest speakers.

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre has eight comfortable hides, easy buggy and wheelchair-friendly pathways, a fully stocked café and gift shops, as well as disabled and parent and baby facilities.

Entry starts at £11.95 per adult, or £32.10 for a family, which contributes to WWT’s conservation work in England and all around the world.

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is a registered charity and is open between 9.30am and 5.30pm, seven days a week.

For more information about the centre,visit wwt.org.uk/arundel