Water project brings new life to nature reserves at West Sussex coastal village
A major conservation project has reached its first milestone with vital improvements completed at two of West Sussex most important nature reserves as thousands of migrating birds arrive for the winter.
Work at RSPB Pulborough Brooks and RSPB Pagham Harbour has delivered new wetland habitats, improved visitor facilities and better water management in a project worth £300,000. The work forms the first major phase of the wider £2.4m Downs to the Sea programme, which began earlier this year.
The project aims to restore and create a network of blue spaces across the region. It is supported by a £1.7m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional funding from Southern Water and DPD.
At RSPB Pulborough Brooks, a long-standing issue with wetlands drying out during periods of low rainfall has now been addressed. The 258-hectare site is part of the River Arun floodplain and supports wildlife including Lapwing, Nightingale and the rare Little Whirlpool Ramshorn Snail.
In recent years, unpredictable weather and a lack of hydrological control had begun to threaten the site. New dams and sluices have now been installed to give greater control over water levels and to create muddy edges that are vital feeding areas for wader chicks.
The large pond beside the visitor centre has also been transformed, with a new viewing area, pond dipping benches, a photography post and a nature trail. The improvements are designed to help people of all abilities get closer to nature.
At RSPB Pagham Harbour, the Ferry Wetlands site has been significantly enhanced with a solar-powered water pump and new nesting islands within the saline lagoon.
These will benefit species such as Avocet and Little-ringed Plover. A predator exclusion fence is due to be installed next year, while existing ditches have been improved to attract more wildlife.
This work was made possible through funding from Sussex Ornithological Society, the Big Give, The Solent Seascape Project and Chichester Harbour Friends.
Oriole Wagstaff, Senior Site Manager at the RSPB South Downs Reserves, said: “This work marks a major success for both wildlife and people at RSPB Pulborough Brooks.
"Thanks to the new water management structures, we now have far greater control over water levels across the site- making the upcoming breeding season especially promising.
"As spring approaches, we’ll be able to create better conditions for breeding waders, giving them the best possible chance to thrive.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the results of all the hard work come to life. These improvements are a vital step toward restoring our precious wetland habitats, which support a rich diversity of plants and animals.
“Enhancements to the visitor pond area have also improved accessibility to stunning views of the wetland, allowing more people to connect with nature, whether they’re enjoying a peaceful moment or joining in one of our family-friendly pond events.”
Natacha Bricks-Yonow, Project Manager for Downs to the Sea, said: “It’s hugely exciting to have completed this first phase of the project, improving significant wildlife habitats.
“Water is the foundation for all life and as a National Park one of our big ambitions is to work with partners to create cleaner and more biodiverse waterways right across the region.
"Nature doesn’t recognise boundaries, so our work at Pulborough and the Manhood Peninsula will create a better-connected wildlife corridor from the coast to the South Downs.
"Our work will also help to create lots of educational and engagement opportunities to help people of all ages and origins get closer to nature and understand why water is so vital.
“There’s lots more to come in the project across Sussex and Hampshire, including the creation of new ponds, and we can’t wait to see the benefits for both nature and people."
Stuart McLeod, Director of London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "It’s fantastic to see that nature is already reaping the rewards of the Downs to the Sea project, which has restored and protected these vital wetland habitats in Sussex.
"These improvements will not only benefit wildlife but also create opportunities for people to experience and enjoy nature in new ways. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can invest in projects like this that make a lasting difference for communities and the environment.”
Chris Woolhouse, Water Resource Environmental Resilience Strategy Manager from Southern Water, said: “Southern Water are delighted to continue the incredible partnership with the RPSB, formed during our environmental study of the Arun Valley international sites of Pulborough Brooks SSSI, Waltham Brooks SSSI and Amberley Wild Brooks SSSI that started in 2021.
"Supporting the RSPBs Down to the Sea Programme, with future monitoring, technical collaboration and funding to their activities to improve water level management, and a broader package of ecological resilience measures at Pulborough Brooks.
Delivering great environmental benefits for the wider designated features.”
The Downs to the Sea initiative is a partnership between the South Downs National Park Authority, South Downs National Park Trust, RSPB, Brighton and Hove City Council, Western Sussex Rivers Trust and Writing Our Legacy.
For updates on the project visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/downs-to-the-sea/