New Reedbed Viewing platform opens
Visit the new reedbed platform at WWT Arundel with stunning views!
The new viewing platform that immerses you in the reedbeds opened at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre on Tues 23 Sept.
The platform offers visitors to stunning views over the SSSI (Site of Scientific Special Interest) reedbeds that are home to water rails, water voles, warblers and marsh harriers.
The viewing platform replaces the Reedbed hide that was closed almost 2 years ago. Work on the platform had to be slotted in around crucial time-limited works like the desilting work onsite to prevent flooding. As WWT Arundel is located inside the South Downs National Park construction takes careful planning. Construction work in the wetland reserve can only be done out of nesting seasons and during drier weather.
Suzi Lanaway Reserve Manager said “The hide closure happened quickly, due to the sudden deterioration of the entry ramp and the hide floor. It took time to decide that we had to replace the hide, how to fund it and to schedule the work at time when it wouldn’t affect wildlife – crucial this spring when marsh harriers were nesting onsite in the reedbeds!”
The WWT Arundel Reserve Team also had to wait until the bats roosting in the old hide’s wooden siding moved elsewhere to hibernate before even dismantling it.
WWT Arundel replaced the hide with a roofless platform to give visitors easier views of the majestic marsh harriers flying in to roost in the reedbeds during the autumn and winter months. The platform will also give visitors a more immersive experience of being in the reedbed. The old hide stood apart from its natural setting and sat awkwardly in the landscape next to the thatched Wetland Secrets barn-style building.
Claire Hogben, Centre manager said, “Many regular visitors told us the old Reedbed hide was one of their favourite spots onsite to watch the marsh harriers fly into roost. We think this new platform in the same spot, with its unencumbered sky view will become a new favourite.”
The new viewing platform was built by local company Arundel Carpentry and Construction.
Try out the new viewing platform at one of the Evening Roost dates this November 5th or 8th. We stay open until 5.30 to watch the cattle egrets, pied wagtails and marsh harriers come into roost.
