WWT Arundel
WWT Arundel is one of ten wildfowl and wetland nature reserves managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, a nature conservation charity in the United Kingdom. The 60 acres (24 ha) reserve is situated at the foot of the Offham Hangar, a part of the Arun valley in Arundel, West Sussex, England.
WWT Arundel | |
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Type | Nature reserve |
Location | Arundel |
Coordinates | 50°51′45.6″N 0°33′5.9″W |
Area | West Sussex |
Created | November 1976 |
Operated by | Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust |
One of the endangered species protected at the centre is the Hawaiian goose, or nēnē, the rarest goose in the world, and state bird of Hawaii. Many species of duck, goose and swan can be seen at the reserve.
The centre provides a variety of habitats from around the world for its various 'residents' such as its Coastal Creek aviary exhibit with cut-away diving tank. Visitors can watch sea ducks like long-tailed ducks and Spectacled eiders dive for fish. The Pelican Cove exhibit is home to four female Dalmatian Pelicans with daily Meet the Keeper talks.
With eight wildlife hides situated all over the site, visitors can get close up views to wildlife including nesting kingfishers and sand martins in spring. The site is noted for its summer wildflowers and roosting marsh harriers in winter.
Also available each day are Boat Safari rides through reedbed habitats, driven by WWT wildlife guides. The centre is open all year except for Christmas day.
Species
Species from other countries are not wild.
- Mute swan
- Northern shoveler
- Ferruginous duck
- Common pochard
- Red-crested pochard
- Eurasian wigeon
- Tufted duck
- Long-tailed duck
Captive
- Common scoter[1]
- Australian wood duck
- Red-breasted goose[2]
- Hawaiian goose (nēnē)
- Marbled duck
- Bufflehead duck
- Carolina wood duck
- White-headed duck
- Dalmatian pelican
- Spectacled eider
- Avocets
- Redshank
- Bewick's swan pair
- Orinocco goose
- Trumpeter swan pair
- Scaly-sided merganser
- Black-necked grebe
Wild
References
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. "Common Scoter - Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust". Retrieved 16 September 2008.
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. "Red-breasted Goose - Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust". Retrieved 16 September 2008.
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. "Wildlife Sightings: 15 September 2008". Retrieved 16 September 2008.