Today is World Wetlands Day and we thought it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the wonderful wetlands we have on our doorstep!
Due to their rich and diverse habitats, wetlands support many important animal species and you can see avocets, kingfishers, otters, voles and dragonflies to name just a few.
These hugely important havens for wildlife make for a great day out too – just remember to take your camera and binoculars!
Start exploring…
This important wetland is home to more than 4,355 species of plants and animals including 300 that are rare or endangered. Before you visit, check out the highlights of what you might see each month here. There’s also a wealth of events happening throughout the year, from wildlife walks and Microscope Mondays to Nature Tots and lantern making. Head to their Discovery Centre to plan your visit or, if you’re feeling generous, you could even sign up as a volunteer.
Filsham Reedbed Nature Reserve
One of the largest reedbeds in Sussex, Filsham sits at the southern end of the Combe Haven Valley, the green space between Bexhill and Hastings. It contains lots of important vegetation which supports many bird species such as Cetti’s warbler, cuckoo and purple heron. More than 1,000 species of invertebrate have been recorded on the reserve so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for our non-feathered friends too! Make sure you know how to access the reserve before you visit and stick to the paths!
Over the border in West Sussex, Amberley Wildbrooks offers 82 hectares of wonderful wetland habitat next to the River Arun. You can witness the winter wildfowl, including large numbers of lapwing, plus this is one of the few remaining places you can still see Bewick’s swan. Filled with aquatic plants and breeding waders, there’s plenty of natural treasures to enjoy. If you’re thinking of taking your four-legged friends for a walk, please remember this is one reserve where dogs must be kept on the lead at all times.
If you’d like to find out how to help our wetlands, visit the Sussex Wildlife Trust website for more info.
