Arun Riverlife Project to restore views and habitats at WWT Arundel
Here is Paul Steven's Wildlife Sightings column from Feb 9, 2012. Read Paul's column each week in the Observer series of newspapers in West Sussex
When he designed WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, Sir Peter Scott’s original vision was for visitors in the main gallery to look out over Swan Lake and be able see across the landscape all the way to the South Downs.
The current Arun Riverlife Project at the wetland centre seeks to restore some of this inspired outlook. The proposed project design reflects the riverscape of the Arun valley, undertaking the landscaping of Swan Lake.
Natural England has licensed the tree work around the lake which is the first phase of the project starting in February.
There are strict plans for working in the area so we can protect sensitive species like our dormouse population.
Trees obstructing the views to the South Downs will be reduced and the landscape redesigned to give the impression that the River Arun flows up to the windows of the centre. Shorter scrub around the lake will be preserved as dormouse habitat. New land will be created around the lake edge allowing us to improve and maintain habitat for dormice. The land banks here will remain as hibernacula for snakes and reptiles.
Preparations for the Arun Riverlife project began in January when we arranged for the larger fish to be removed from Swan Lake. The fish are being held in a quarantine pond offsite. Once they have passed a health check the fish will be re-located to other ponds and lakes in the area. This fishing had to be done under license in winter so the fish do not overheat during transport.
The major redevelopment is planned to start later this year, once full funding has been raised and the necessary permissions have been granted, with completion planned next year. The new view from the gallery will showcase five different types of wetlands found along the river valley.
Two small shingled islands will represent eroded river banks and provide nesting spots for common terns. A border of reeds along the water’s edge will provide cover for wading birds. Wet fen and wet grassland will offer a variety of habitat for different species. Improved water quality and phragmites reeds on the lake will also attract the water voles in the area.
Kingfishers are a favourite with visitors to our reserve but many don’t realise the birds do not nest onsite. An artificial kingfisher nesting bank has been proposed as part of the Arun Riverlife Project. A rendered artificial front panel will be dotted with clay pipes backed with infill for nesting burrows. This would make for fantastic views of the Kingfishers on Swan Lake all year around.
