The Duchess of Norfolk helps celebrate Arun Riverlife
The Duchess of Norfolk unveiled a new wildlife viewing scope to mark the official opening of the Arun Riverlife project during an evening celebration at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre last Thursday (Sept 19). The new scope in the visitor gallery sits opposite the artificial kingfisher nesting bank created as part of the project.
The Duchess of Norfolk said: “The fact that this conservation work has taken place at WWT Arundel is wonderful. I would like to congratulate all those involved - from the planners, to the construction team and especially the generous donors.’’
The Duchess of Norfolk went onto joke how much she enjoyed the improved ‘’views of Arundel Castle from the wetlands’’ that were revealed when overgrown willow trees were cut back.
Kevin Peberdy, WWT Director of Centre Developments, Sir George Russell CBE, chair of the WWT Council of Trustees and WWT Arundel Centre Manager Dave Fairlamb also spoke during the evening of celebration and activities that showcased the project at WWT Arundel.
David Fairlamb, WWT Arundel Centre Manager said: ‘’This project at Arundel embodies what the WWT is all about – habitat restoration. It brings threatened wetland habits close to people, so you feel immersed in it, as if you are sitting on the islands with the wildfowl.’’
Kevin Peberdy, WWT Director of Centre Developments said: “The project reconnects the wetland centre with the South Downs and with the River Arun. Interpretation describing the history of the River Arun has been installed in the visitor gallery, in which Arundel plays an integral part.’’
The Arun Riverlife project was generously supported by grants from Biffa Awards and the South Downs National Park Authority. Councillor Jeremy Leggett and Councillor Barry Lipscomb of South Downs National Park Authority attended the celebration for the Arun Riverlife Project. Other supporters who attended including Mrs. Marion Davis, Mrs. Hazel Trapnell, Mr. Nicholas Sherwin with Dame Sarah Asplin, Mr. Peter and Penelope Dawkins and Andrew Swaffield, Managing Director of Avios at IAG. Attendees had the opportunity to go pond dipping, try willow wand weaving and to spot water voles during a Wetlands Discovery Boat Safari. Canapés and a buffet of featuring locally sourced food and drinks were all part of the celebration. Wildlife guides engaged the evening’s visitors in the new Arun Riverlife Discovery Hide decorated with soft chairs, wildlife wallpaper and large glass windows to appeal to novice wildlife watchers.
Project Background
The Arun Riverlife project restored the main lagoon in front of the visitor centre to a natural wetland in keeping with the River Arun floodplain and water meadows that once characterised the region. This major undertaking involved removing trees to open up views, improve flight-lines and reduce perching opportunities for predators. The lake was drained, hundreds of fish and eels were relocated, and tonnes of silt were excavated. A new water control structure was installed and the area was extensively landscaped and re-planted.
This work has created a rich mosaic of wetland habitats designed to increase biodiversity, including wet grassland, ditches, lagoons and a reedbed, along with an artificial kingfisher nesting bank.
This will enable more visitors to enjoy the spectacles of their local wetlands throughout the seasons – a chance to spot kingfishers, terns and even water voles in comfort while enjoying a coffee. Visitors will have close views of the more secluded habitats and their wildlife, and can learn wildlife observation and identification skills in the new Discovery Hide.
