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New RSPB nature reserve at Bracklesham
The RSPB has acquired an important new coastal nature reserve between Bracklesham and Selsey in West Sussex. The land, which will be called RSPB Bracklesham Bay, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest1 (SSSI) and is one of the few remaining areas of undeveloped coastal habitat between Southampton and Brighton. The reserve consists of 49 hectares (121 acres) of coastal grazing marshes, a much-declined habitat that includes wet grassland and ditches, and which is very important for breeding wading birds and wintering wildfowl.
The Society aims to not only restore and maintain the wildlife interest there, but also to demonstrate the Society’s commitment to the future of the whole area, known as the Manhood Peninsula. RSPB Regional Projects Manager Jim Glover stated, 'You only have to look at a map of the Sussex coast to appreciate the importance of this green gap amid the sprawl of coastal development. 'The new reserve still retains a few breeding lapwings whose delightful courtship displays were once such a common feature of the Sussex marshes in spring. We will be doing all we can to increase their numbers in this area. 'This is also a strategically important site: we have long known the potential of the wider area around Pagham Harbour for wildlife and we are delighted we can now begin restoring these very important habitats.'
The Society aims to not only restore and maintain the wildlife interest there, but also to demonstrate the Society’s commitment to the future of the whole area, known as the Manhood Peninsula. RSPB Regional Projects Manager Jim Glover stated, 'You only have to look at a map of the Sussex coast to appreciate the importance of this green gap amid the sprawl of coastal development. 'The new reserve still retains a few breeding lapwings whose delightful courtship displays were once such a common feature of the Sussex marshes in spring. We will be doing all we can to increase their numbers in this area. 'This is also a strategically important site: we have long known the potential of the wider area around Pagham Harbour for wildlife and we are delighted we can now begin restoring these very important habitats.'
The RSPB’s aim is to manage the Marshes in the traditional way, working closely with neighbours and the two statutory agencies, English Nature and the Environment Agency, to restore this SSSI to a favourable condition. Rupert Clubb, Sussex Area Manager for the Environment Agency said 'We look forward to working with the RSPB as we consider how to best manage the sea defences along this vulnerable stretch of coastline.'
People will be able to view of the reserve by walking along the beach and the public footpaths in the area. However, it is not anticipated that this will be a major visitor reserve and there are no plans to introduce visitor parking or extra facilities.
An information sheet and map of the reserve is available from the RSPB South East office for any one interested in learning more – ring 01273 775333 or e-mail southeast@rspb.org.uk to be sent a copy.
The purchase comes against the backdrop of the ongoing debate on the future of the Manhood Peninsula, particularly with regard to coastal defence, sea level rise and flooding issues. The RSPB will not be seeking any changes to the coastal defences in the near future and is keen to play a part in finding a long-term sustainable solution for the benefit of people and wildlife that will do justice to this special Sussex landscape.
Much of the purchase price is being met with the generous help of a legacy from the Estate of Margaret James, a lady who loved the Sussex Coast and Countryside and wished to help the RSPB to conserve these special areas forever.
The Sussex Ornithological Society has also generously supported the purchase. Audrey Wende, Chairman of SOS Council said, 'This is one of those special moments for Sussex when you know that, amid all the development pressures our coastline faces, one of the few remaining untouched fragments and its special wildlife is now all the safer. The SOS is absolutely delighted to have helped to make this happen.'
There will be many costs involved in managing the nature reserve – if you would like to offer financial support towards this new nature reserve, then do please get in touch with Zoë Jones at the RSPB South East Office on 01273 7753337.
Typical bird species of wet grassland include lapwings, redshanks and snipe. Lapwings and possibly redshanks still breed in the area. In winter, the wet field and ditches will be managed as a haven for wildfowl from northern and eastern Europe, including wigeons, teals, shovelers and other wildfowl. The numbers of lapwings breeding on lowland wet grassland in England and Wales declined by 38% between 1982 and 2002. The decline in Sussex was 58%. This decline may be due to increased land drainage and fertiliser use.
People will be able to view of the reserve by walking along the beach and the public footpaths in the area. However, it is not anticipated that this will be a major visitor reserve and there are no plans to introduce visitor parking or extra facilities.
An information sheet and map of the reserve is available from the RSPB South East office for any one interested in learning more – ring 01273 775333 or e-mail southeast@rspb.org.uk to be sent a copy.
The purchase comes against the backdrop of the ongoing debate on the future of the Manhood Peninsula, particularly with regard to coastal defence, sea level rise and flooding issues. The RSPB will not be seeking any changes to the coastal defences in the near future and is keen to play a part in finding a long-term sustainable solution for the benefit of people and wildlife that will do justice to this special Sussex landscape.
Much of the purchase price is being met with the generous help of a legacy from the Estate of Margaret James, a lady who loved the Sussex Coast and Countryside and wished to help the RSPB to conserve these special areas forever.
The Sussex Ornithological Society has also generously supported the purchase. Audrey Wende, Chairman of SOS Council said, 'This is one of those special moments for Sussex when you know that, amid all the development pressures our coastline faces, one of the few remaining untouched fragments and its special wildlife is now all the safer. The SOS is absolutely delighted to have helped to make this happen.'
There will be many costs involved in managing the nature reserve – if you would like to offer financial support towards this new nature reserve, then do please get in touch with Zoë Jones at the RSPB South East Office on 01273 7753337.
Typical bird species of wet grassland include lapwings, redshanks and snipe. Lapwings and possibly redshanks still breed in the area. In winter, the wet field and ditches will be managed as a haven for wildfowl from northern and eastern Europe, including wigeons, teals, shovelers and other wildfowl. The numbers of lapwings breeding on lowland wet grassland in England and Wales declined by 38% between 1982 and 2002. The decline in Sussex was 58%. This decline may be due to increased land drainage and fertiliser use.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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