Wetland

Modern flood control schemes and the constant drive to create productive agricultural land mean that the old Sussex wetland habitats are now rare. Of all the endangered plant species in Britain, around half are wetland species and more than 500 species of plant and animal depend for their survival on freshwater habitats. Wetland conservation helps save an important part of Britain's heritage.

In the Loder Valley Nature Reserve and in Wakehurst Place itself, there is a variety of wetland habitats, ranging from the open water of Ardingly Reservoir, through streams to marsh and reed-swamp, each with its own characteristic plant and animal life.

Among the plants that flourish around the reservoir are water mint and lesser spearwort, while the waterlogged soil around natural springs make ideal conditions for alder, golden saxifrage, marsh marigold and wild garlic.

The Reserve attracts great numbers of birds, both residents and passing migrants. The Kingfisher Hide is opposite an artificial bank and cunningly-placed branch where in spring and summer, this stunning bird regularly poses, often with fish in its beak, before entering its nesting-hole. There are ospreys and hobbies performing aerobatics around the reservoir, while other hides give excellent views of great crested grebes, greylag geese and mandarin ducks, while common sandpipers, lapwings, greenshanks and little egrets search for food along the muddy margins.

Continue the tour

Back up to: Loder Valley Zone

Carry on to: Meadowland