The work is already making a difference at RSPB Pulborough Brooks and RSPB Pagham Harbour, where new dams, sluices and other upgrades are supporting wildlife conservation and improving public access.
The improvements come as part of the wider £2.4 million Downs to the Sea project, which aims to restore a network of wetlands and blue spaces across the region.
Oriole Wagstaff, senior site manager at RSPB South Downs reserves, said: “This work marks a major success for both wildlife and people at RSPB Pulborough Brooks.
“Thanks to the new water management structures, we now have far greater control over water levels across the site – making the upcoming breeding season especially promising.
“As spring approaches, we’ll be able to create better conditions for breeding waders, giving them the best possible chance to thrive.”
Pulborough Brooks, covering 258 hectares of grazing marsh and part of the River Arun floodplain, has struggled with wetlands drying out during periods of low rainfall.
The new infrastructure gives the RSPB greater control over water levels and will help maintain the muddy edges that wader chicks rely on.
A large pond near the visitor centre has also been revamped, with new seating, a viewing area, and improved pond-dipping facilities to make the space more accessible.
At RSPB Pagham Harbour, the Ferry Wetlands site now features a solar-powered water pump and new nesting islands for species like Avocet and Little-ringed Plover.
A predator exclusion fence will be installed next year, and the upgraded ditch network will support a greater variety of wildlife.
The works at Pagham Harbour have been funded by the Sussex Ornithological Society, the Big Give, The Solent Seascape Project and Chichester Harbour Friends.
Natacha Bricks-Yonow, project manager for Downs to the Sea, said: “It’s hugely exciting to have completed this first phase of the project, improving significant wildlife habitats.
“There’s lots more to come in the project across Sussex and Hampshire, including the creation of new ponds, and we can’t wait to see the benefits for both nature and people.”
The work is already making a difference at RSPB Pulborough Brooks and RSPB Pagham Harbour, where new dams, sluices and other upgrades are supporting wildlife conservation and improving public access.
The improvements come as part of the wider £2.4 million Downs to the Sea project, which aims to restore a network of wetlands and blue spaces across the region.
Oriole Wagstaff, senior site manager at RSPB South Downs reserves, said: “This work marks a major success for both wildlife and people at RSPB Pulborough Brooks.
“Thanks to the new water management structures, we now have far greater control over water levels across the site – making the upcoming breeding season especially promising.
“As spring approaches, we’ll be able to create better conditions for breeding waders, giving them the best possible chance to thrive.”
Pulborough Brooks, covering 258 hectares of grazing marsh and part of the River Arun floodplain, has struggled with wetlands drying out during periods of low rainfall.
The new infrastructure gives the RSPB greater control over water levels and will help maintain the muddy edges that wader chicks rely on.
A large pond near the visitor centre has also been revamped, with new seating, a viewing area, and improved pond-dipping facilities to make the space more accessible.
At RSPB Pagham Harbour, the Ferry Wetlands site now features a solar-powered water pump and new nesting islands for species like Avocet and Little-ringed Plover.
A predator exclusion fence will be installed next year, and the upgraded ditch network will support a greater variety of wildlife.
The works at Pagham Harbour have been funded by the Sussex Ornithological Society, the Big Give, The Solent Seascape Project and Chichester Harbour Friends.
Natacha Bricks-Yonow, project manager for Downs to the Sea, said: “It’s hugely exciting to have completed this first phase of the project, improving significant wildlife habitats.
“There’s lots more to come in the project across Sussex and Hampshire, including the creation of new ponds, and we can’t wait to see the benefits for both nature and people.”
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