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Steps to Restoration: walking from Pad Farm to Bramber Brooks

22 October 2024

A Sussex-Born Blueprint for Nationwide Recovery

On a sunny October morning

the Adur River Recovery project hosted a walking tour from Shoreham to Bramber. Led by experts from the Ouse and Adur River Trust and Horsham District Council, the walk highlighted two of the many exciting restoration plans being developed along the Adur and emphasized the vital connections between the emerging restoration efforts across the catchment. River enthusiasts, walkers, and stakeholders joined to explore how these initiatives are helping to revive the Adur.

Bramber Brooks

After stopping for some much-needed refreshments beside a thriving community orchard, Helen and Peter handed over to another passionate Pete – Pete Crawford, the Horsham District Council Parks and Countryside Manager, who led us to Bramber Brooks Nature Reserve.

Bramber Brooks is nestled along the Adur at the Southern edge of Horsham district, by Bramber village. Expanding over 40 acres and encompassing a fascinating historical monument of medieval salting remains, part of this historic grassland floodplain has dried out due to embankments causing a disconnect, and the site is in need of ecological restoration.

Pete directed us over to a construction site and explained the exciting work in progress. Acquired by Horsham District Council in January, the Environment Agency have created three sets of shallow pools, with lots of wet, muddy edges. These wetland ponds will provide a fantastic habitat for wading birds in the winter, summer warblers, and breeding fish in the spring. Excitingly, the soil moved during construction will be used to create a raised bank walkway around the wetland – providing a perfect route for spotting these wildlife beneficiaries!

With the charming soundtrack of a Cetti’s warbler singing amongst the reeds, Pete highlighted the importance of the reedbeds for warblers, insects, moths, and breeding birds. The explosive song of sedge warblers can often be heard at Bramber Brooks, and even the distinctive sound of the Cuckoo has been noted amongst the wetland. With Barn Owls spotted here too, news of this exciting project provided the perfect conclusion to an inspiring and informative walk.

A walk to remember…

In the span of a morning ramble, we learnt of two fascinating projects which oversee the collaboration of councils, landowners, local initiatives, NGOs, contractors, scientists, walkers, construction workers, and more. With the knowledge that over 27 land managers are working with the Adur River Recovery project, the overwhelming potential the Adur provides for collaboration, growth, and connection, alongside the essential benefits in biodiversity, flood defences, and ecosystem services was palpable as we gazed across the river.