IT was wetter than usual at the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre this new year.
The centre was able to open on New Year’s Day to visitors but had to close off some areas of the grounds throughout the Christmas holidays because access pathways were flooded.
Once water levels started dropping, staff were able to open to the public.
“We are glad the waters have receded enough to allowing us to reopen all the paths,” Olivia Iles, manager of WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, on New Year’s Eve.
“The forecast is for sun, so it will be a lovely day for families to start the year with a healthy walk together, close to nature.
“A visit to WWT Arundel supports wildlife in Sussex and around the world.”
The wet spring and summer left the water table throughout Sussex high.
Constant rains over the past few weeks gradually raised water levels all across Arundel Wetland Centre.
Most of the exhibits that house rare ducks and geese from around the world flooded and the wooden boardwalk through the reedbeds was underwater.
Flood waters also refilled the main lake at Arundel.
It had been emptied to have the silt removed for the Arun Riverlife Project.
When he designed WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, Sir Peter Scott’s original vision was for visitors in the main gallery to look out over Swan Lake and be able see across the landscape all the way to the South Downs.
The Arun Riverlife Project at the wetland centre sought to restore some of this inspired outlook.
More information is available online at wwwt.org.uk.
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