Rare hen harrier spotted roosting at WWT Arundel Wetland

Hen harriers have recently been seen settling in for the night at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, with sightings reported over the past two weeks.

The birds are believed to be drawn to the area by the safety of the reedbeds and the abundance of small mammals and birds in the wetlands.

Suzi Lanaway, reserve manager, said: "The last time we had a hen harrier coming in to roost onsite was about 2019.

"They manage to avoid us on the official harrier roost count dates as well, so they do not appear on the official record."

Male hen harriers, often referred to as "ghosts," are pale grey with black wingtips and can be difficult to spot as they glide low over the reeds.

Females and juveniles, known as "ringtails," are brown with distinctive barred tail feathers and a prominent white rump.

Each October, the reserve team at Arundel begins monthly counts of marsh and hen harriers roosting in the SSSI reedbeds.

The data contributes to the national Harrier Roost Survey, run by The Hawk and Owl Trust.

The presence of both hen and marsh harriers highlights the critical role of wetlands as safe roosting sites for vulnerable birds of prey.

The hen harrier is listed as "Red" on the UK’s Birds of Conservation Concern and is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Although considered "least concern" globally by the IUCN, the UK population remains critically low.

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is encouraging visitors to witness the rare winter spectacle and learn more about the conservation work supporting these birds.

The centre, a 65-acre reserve in the South Downs National Park, features one of the largest reedbeds in Sussex and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI).

Visitors can explore the reedbeds, enjoy a boat safari, or observe wildlife from one of eight hides.

The centre is open year-round, closing only at 2pm on Christmas Eve and remaining closed on Christmas Day.

For more information, visit the WWT Arundel website.