1 week Ago
Plans to install four new hydrological structures at RSPB Pulborough Brooks have been approved. The National Park Authority's planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the improvements, which aim to control water levels and prevent areas from drying out. The 159-hectare site, part of the River Arun's floodplain, is home to various species including lapwing, nightingale, short-eared owl, and the rare Little Whirlpool Ramshorn Snail.
Dams and sluices to help revive vital wetland areas for birds and snails (Image: Graham Osbourne) However, the absence of hydrological controls has become a significant issue, worsened by an unpredictable climate. Reduced water levels and ground compaction have rendered some areas unsuitable for wading birds. The lack of water flow has also led to silting of ditches and poor water quality, affecting plants, insects, and birds.
The new dams and sluices will maintain a steady water level and create more "muddy edges," essential for wetland birds' feeding. This planning approval marks the first milestone in the £1.7 million Downs to the Sea project, which began last month.
The project aims to restore and create a network of "blue spaces" across the region, including internationally-designated wildlife sites like RSPB Pulborough Brooks and RSPB Pagham Harbour in West Sussex. Natacha Bricks-Yonow, project manager for Downs to the Sea, said: "This is a wonderful first step towards improving wetlands across the region and encouraging more wildlife. "There’s still a lot of work ahead in terms of delivering the improvements, but gaining planning permission for this particular project is a big win for us.
" Oriole Wagstaff, senior site manager for the RSPB South Downs Reserves, said: "We’re delighted to be given planning permission for this important work. "This project will increase our ability to manage water on site, helping to improve our wetland habitats and support a huge range of threatened wildlife." Downs to the Sea is a partnership between the South Downs National Park Authority, South Downs National Park Trust, RSPB, Brighton & Hove City Council, Western Sussex Rivers Trust, and Writing Our Legacy.
The initiative will restore 15 ponds in the National Park to create biodiversity hotspots and support wildlife movement between sites. For updates on the project, visit the South Downs National Park Authority's website..
