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Management and funding
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is one of nine wetland centres run by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), an international wetland conservation charity in the UK.
WWT Arundel is funded by visitor income, membership subscriptions and trading subscriptions and trading income from shop, venue hire and restaurant. Gifts, donations, legacies and grants provide extra support.
The site has an annual visitation of around 78,000 people.
Founded/opened
WWT Arundel reserve and centre opened to the public in November 1976 after taking on a 99 year lease from the Duke of Norfolk's Estate in 1971.
Description
Part of the beautiful River Arun floodplain and overlooked by ancient woodland, WWT Arundel covers 26 hectares featuring ponds, lakes and reedbed. The site is fed by springs from the surrounding chalky Downs. There are 5 hides, two picnic sites and level access is provided to all areas.
Our site is managed for both captive collection and wild native birds and has a fabulous abundance of seasonal wild flowers.
The visitor centre has a Fair Trade restaurant and shop, large viewing gallery, free wheelchair loan and free parking. In 2004 we received the 'Best Small Visitor Attraction SE England' award.
Key species/features
Our SSSI reedbed is one of the largest in Sussex and visitors can access part of it along the reedbed boardwalk to see and hear Reed, Sedge and Cetti's warblers along the way. The reedbed is also home to the elusive Water Rail with high numbers over-wintering and one or two pairs breeding.
This is a nationally important site for over wintering pochard. Kingfishers are regularly seen from our hides, Peregrine Falcons breed nearby and Kestrels and Sparrowhawks are seen daily.
Notable captive species include New Zealand Blue Duck and Hawaiian Goose.
Our new Wetland Discovery development provides visitors with a unique sensory experience -they are guided along waterways in silent electric boats through seven major habitats including wet woodland, chalk meadow and reedbed, giving those on the boat a chance to see dragonflies and native plants and animals up close.
Part of Wetland Discovery is the beautiful Outlook-In, our multi-use activity building. Built using sustainable materials and methods including thatched roof, lime mortar and horsehair walls, reclaimed floorboards and sheeps' wool insulation. The toilets are connected to a reedbed filtration system and the buildings are heated by a heat-exchanger.
Interpretation and exhibitry
Most of the interpretation is provided by people. There are also identification and information boards, sensory trails and a new Discovery Trail every school holiday.
Formal (school and university) learning
Arundel has offered Free School Visits since 2004 with the aim of encouraging schools to include outdoor learning as part of every child's entitlement. In 2004 4,000 school children visited the site and took part in learning sessions with our centre Education Assistants. Schools programmes are tailored to the English National Curriculum and differentiated by age and ability. They contain a mix of both indoor and outdoor learning with plenty of hands-on and interactive participation. Learning support materials are available through the Learn area of this site.
Informal (general public) learning
Arundel has a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages including informal guided walks e.g. Dawn Chorus and Batty about Bats, pond dipping (April to October), family art events and self-guided trails. We have also run an Environmental Arts Project, funded in partnership with Arts Council England, with several Artists-in-Residence creating works for the site including a Reed Chamber camera-obscura and plaster casts showing the water flow of the sites springs.
Staffing
James Sharpe is our Centre Manager. There are 12 full time staff and a pool of 20 part time staff. We also rely on volunteer help especially during busy periods such as school holidays and special events.
Contacts
Astrid Krumins, Learning Manager
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex, England, BN18 9PB
T: 01903 883355
F: 01903 884834