Nature reserve reopens after work to boost wildlife

The newly installed bridges have a guaranteed lifespan of at least 50 years

An area of a nature reserve in West Sussex has re-opened after work was carried out to boost biodiversity.

A number of wetland ponds and shallow pools have been created at the Bramber Brooks Nature Reserve to provide varied habitat for birds including snipe and green sandpiper, as well as dragonflies and fish.

New bridges made entirely of recycled plastic have also been installed, while soil excavated during the pond creation was used to create walkways.

Councillor Colette Blackburn, Horsham District Council's cabinet member for climate action and nature recovery, said the new pathways would "offer a much-improved experience".

Ms Blackburn said: "Having Bramber Brooks as part of the council's countryside estate strengthens our successful flagship Wilder Horsham District initiative, which is restoring habitats and wildlife along the River Adur as part of our wider nature recovery work."

The council bought the site in January 2024.

Eliott Strutt, project manager at the Environment Agency which ran the project alongside the council, added: "The area is already beginning to thrive as a valuable habitat for local wildlife, with the potential to support migratory species in the future."