Pulborough’s internationally important wetlands have received a significant ecological boost as the first phase of a £2.4 million restoration programme reaches completion. The works — part of the Downs to the Sea project — are already transforming conditions at RSPB Pulborough Brooks, improving water management, habitat quality and public access ahead of the 2026 breeding season.

A £300,000 Investment in Pulborough’s Wetlands

The Argus reports that £300,000 of new infrastructure has been installed across the reserve, including dams, sluices and upgraded water‑control systems. These improvements give conservation teams far greater control over water levels — a critical factor for a site that has struggled with drying marshes during periods of low rainfall.

Oriole Wagstaff, senior site manager for RSPB South Downs reserves, described the works as “a major success for both wildlife and people at RSPB Pulborough Brooks,” adding that the new systems make the upcoming breeding season “especially promising.”

With more reliable water levels, staff can now create the muddy margins that wader chicks depend on, improving survival rates for species that have been under pressure from habitat loss and climate‑driven fluctuations.

Upgraded Visitor Facilities

A large pond near the visitor centre has been fully revamped, now featuring:

• New seating
• A dedicated viewing area
• Improved pond‑dipping facilities
• Better accessibility for families, schools and visitors with mobility needs

These enhancements strengthen the reserve’s role as a key educational and recreational asset for Pulborough and the wider Arun Valley.

Linked Improvements at Pagham Harbour

The sister site at RSPB Pagham Harbour has also benefited from the first phase of the programme. Upgrades include:

• A solar‑powered water pump to maintain wetland levels sustainably
• New nesting islands for Avocet, Little‑ringed Plover and other specialist species
• A predator‑exclusion fence scheduled for installation next year
• An improved ditch network to support a wider range of wetland wildlife

Funding for these works came from conservation partners including the Sussex Ornithological Society, The Big Give, The Solent Seascape Project and Chichester Harbour Friends.

A Regional Vision for Nature Recovery

Project manager Natacha Bricks‑Yonow says completing phase one is “hugely exciting,” with further habitat creation planned across Sussex and Hampshire — including new ponds and expanded wetland corridors.

The Downs to the Sea project aims to restore a connected network of wetlands and blue spaces from the South Downs to the coast, strengthening biodiversity and climate resilience across the region.

What It Means for Pulborough

For Pulborough residents, the upgrades represent one of the most significant ecological investments in years. The benefits include:

• More stable wetland habitats
• Improved breeding conditions for rare and declining bird species
• Enhanced visitor experiences
• Stronger long‑term resilience against drought and climate impacts

As the seasons change, Pulborough Brooks is set to become an even more vital refuge for wildlife — and a richer, more accessible landscape for the community