WWT Arundel makes the natural world accessible to all

Finding a day out that accommodates all the  family’s needs doesn’t have to be a nightmare -  what if we told you there was a way to combine close-up natural encounters with gentle paths, wheelchair access, mother and baby facilities, rest and shade stops and beautiful views?

Well look no further.

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is an easy, safe place to enjoy the wonders of wetland wildlife. Adults and children can have nose-to-beak encounters with some of the world’s most rare birds, surrounded by stunning scenery. And it’s not just birds – WWT Arundel is famous for its water voles, too!

Spending time near or on water is an essential day-out experience and makes for unforgettable memories – you can adventure on it, gaze at it and marvel at the myriad forms of wildlife that cluster round it – water is never boring!

There is always something to see and do at a WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, 364 days of the year and you’ll find getting about and joining in is easy for everyone. We offer a variety of different experiences – you can choose as much or as little activity as you want. Fully accessible experiences range from Wetland Discover Boat Safari, pond dipping stations and bird hides that guaranteed close-up wildlife encounters. Throughout the year, WWT Arundel Wetland Centre has a programme of indoor and outdoor events which are perfect for nature lovers.

While we can’t guarantee the weather, you’re never far from shelter at WWT Arundel. There is ample free parking, comfortable hides, easy buggy and wheelchair friendly pathways, wheelchairs and walkers available to use (donations welcome), fully stocked cafes (with moveable seating) , gift shops and disabled and parent & baby facilities. Great facilities mean all your needs are catered for, alongside the wild and wonderful experience of being able to envelop yourself in the natural beauty of the wetland environment.

Entry to WWT Arundel  starts at £11.50 per adult, or £30.90 for a family (essential helpers are admitted free of charge and assistance dogs are welcome), which contributes to WWTs vital conservation work in England and all around the world – so by having a great time at our centres, you’re also supporting conservation.

For a full list of specific centre facilities and directions, go to http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/arundel

Local Nature Reserve Needs Your Votes! Is WWT Arundel Wetland Centre Britain’s Favourite Nature Reserve?

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre in West Sussex has been nominated as ‘Britain’s Favourite Nature Reserve’ for the prestigious Countryfile Awards 2013. The nominees were selected by nature writer Mark Cocker and TV presenter Ellie Harrison who noted that that Arundel Wetland Centre is ‘famed for its water voles.’ Ellie Harrison filmed WWT Arundel’s water vole population for an episode of The Big Wildlife Revival that will air in August on BBC.

Dave Fairlamb, the new Centre Manager at WWT Arundel, said “I am delighted the reserve has been nominated. Our team works hard to provide the perfect habitat for wildlife and a great day out for our visitors. We hope visitors and members will show how much they enjoy the reserve by taking a moment to cast a vote for WWT Arundel.”

Arundel Wetland Centre opened in 1976 on land leased from the Norfolk estate. One-fifth of the 62 acre reserve is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) reedbed that visitors can cross on a wide wooden boardwalk that accommodates wheelchairs. 

Visitors can also glide through the reed beds in silent electric boats to view rare water voles from the colony re-established in 2005 and photograph wild birds from one of the many hides – including our new ‘Discovery Hide’ which is a comfortable new hide featuring ID panels, binoculars and telescopes to help beginner birdwatchers.

As well as attracting wild birds, the site is home to a collection of 250 birds of rare and endangered species from around the world. You can even hand feed some of them, including the friendly Hawaiian Nene -  the rarest goose in the world.

New developments on the reserve include the Arun Riverlife project and Discovery Hide, completed in July 2013. Work on the project involved re-landscaping a heavily silted lake into a vibrant river floodplain habitat with reed, fen and shingle areas providing safe breeding spots for the wild birds of the Arun Valley.

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is also a haven for people, with many visitors calling this quiet reserve nestled in the South Downs National Park a hidden gem.

The ten nature reserves nominated were listed in the August issue of Countryfile Magazine. The final decision on a winner now rests with the public who can vote in three ways: by sending an email to awards@countryfile.com, by visiting http://www.countryfile.com/awardsvote or by filling in a form in Countryfile Magazine.

Other categories in the Countryfile Awards include the nation’s favourite brand of outdoor gear, favourite market town, favourite TV/radio presenter and favourite heritage site. Voting closes on Sept 30 2013.

WWT Arundel receives a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for second year!

Families enjoying WWT Arundel Wetland 

Centre strolling Reedbed Boardwalk

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre has been honoured again as a top performing visitor attraction by users of the world’s largest and best-known travel site.

The 60-acre nature reserve and wetland centre has received another TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence, placing it in the top performing 10 per cent of all businesses worldwide on TripAdvisor. This is the second year running WWT Arundel has won this award.

The prestigious accolade recognises hospitality excellence and is given only to those establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews.

Newly opened Discovery Hide

To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four out of five or higher and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

The website’s ‘snapshot’ facility shows that out of a current total of 125 reviews, WWT Arundel’s overall score is four-and-a-half out of five and the centre is ranked 3 out of 10 local attractions listed under the same TripAdvisor area.

Pat Warren, Marketing Manager at WWT Arundel, said: “We strive to offer everyone who comes through our doors a memorable experience connecting with nature. We are pleased that many reviewers mention the friendliness of our staff.

“This award is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor and we’re thrilled to receive it.”

Alison Copus, Vice President of Marketing for TripAdvisor for Business, added: “TripAdvisor is delighted to celebrate the success of businesses around the globe, from Sydney to Chicago, Sao Paulo to Rome, which are consistently offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience.

“The Certificate of Excellence award provides top-performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers.”

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is open every day from 9:30am - 5:30pm,and  located on Mill Road, Arundel West Sussex BN9 8PB. For more information visit wwt.org.uk/arundel.

Examples of recent TripAdvisor reviews:

24 June –This is a lovely place to be whatever the weather. The staff are very helpful. Its a joyful place to visit and spend time.

23 June – If you love wildlife, particularly baby wildlife, this is the place to go and you can feed them by hand too. Its peaceful, beautiful and a great place to recharge the batteries.

10 June – I love visiting this place for the amazing variety of bird life (so many different types of ducks!), the beautiful scenery, the peace and quiet, and nothing beats having ducklings feeding out of your hand - a great dose of 'feel-good-factor' for young and old alike.

9 June - Great variety and the walks and boat rides make this a special place for young and old. So many species of ducks and birds with all the young hatching - and the sun shone which made it even better. Cafe is a good value for food and drinks. Its clean and tidy throughout and well worth a visit.