Reedbed boardwalk
Wander along our wooden boardwalk of decks and bridges through a peaceful world of reeds, lakes and ponds.
This wooden, non-slip walkway weaves through the largest reedbed in West Sussex. The two-way accessible path has wider sections to permit passing. A lip along the boardwalk edges makes it safe for buggies and wheelchairs.
The reeds tower above you, whispering in the autumn breezes. Look out for red-coloured common darter dragonflies, sunning themselves on the planks. They can be seen through the end of October.
Make the detour along the little path to the Reed Chamber halfway through the boardwalk. It’s a lovely quiet place to sit and relax while you take in the sounds of the reedbed. It makes a great shelter in case of a sudden shower!
There are two other uncovered benches along the woodland carr section of the boardwalk. Along the woodland carr you can see how wetlands begin to convert to woodland, as tree leaves build up, decomposing into soil and filling in the reedbed. The reedbed stretches onwards here, past the thatched building of Wetland Secrets Plant House. Pied wagtails roost in this section of the reedbed in autumn and winter.
Wildlife tips
The stretch of the boardwalk, beside the Meadow Maze, is a great spot to look for water voles. In the reedbed listen out for water rails and Cetti’s warblers and look up to see the majestic Offham Hanger, where peregrines and buzzards soar.
Did you know?
The reedbed here at Arundel is one of the largest in Sussex and designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI). Reedbeds are a priority habitat for nature conservation in the UK and WWT are working hard to restore and maintain this vital habitat for wildlife.
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