244 Nature
A hidden haven for wildlife By Meerabai Kings, RSPB Pagham & Medmerry Nestled between Selsey and Bracklesham is a wild and wonderful habitat with soaring birds, panoramic views of the rolling South Downs and, on a clear day, a view the Isle of Wight. This is RSPB Medmerry, but it hasn’t always been such a haven for West Sussex wildlife. In the past, this land had been used for farming and even, in the Second World War, as a bombing range for practising pilots. With the raging sea to the south, this low-lying land, and the surrounding properties, have been at risk of flooding for years. Every winter, the Environment Agency would send a fleet of diggers and bulldozers to the beach to reinforce the old shingle sea wall, delaying the inevitable floods. That was until ten years ago when the RSPB and the Environment Agency (with the help of an array contactors) set out to rearrange this stretch of West Sussex Coast. Tonnes of mud were scooped out and used to make embankments, giving a real contrast between the low lying and higher ground across the site. The shingle sea wall was breached and the sea flooded in, reclaiming the lower ground, creating intertidal habitat as it did. A new, 7km (or 4 mile) long sea wall was built either side of the breach. The rearrangement was a huge success, with important infrastructure such as the Selsey main road and the water treatment works no longer at risk from floods, and locals have said they are spending less money on flood defences now. The local community were involved in the scheme, too, helping with decisions on footpaths and viewpoints throughout the reserve. And, of course, the wildlife at Medmerry has flourished into a diverse and healthy ecosystem. In the springtime, you will hear skylarks singing all around you, belting out their songs as they balance in the air, furiously beating their wings. Cuckoo - Ben Andrew Another sound to
listen out for as spring arrives is the iconic call of the cuckoo, returning from Africa to lay their eggs in the nests of unsuspecting dunnocks. In the surrounding farmland along the Earnley footpath, listen out for the aggressive burst of song from a Cetti’s warbler, who will be skulking in the bushes. If you are lucky enough to see one, look out for its rufous red rump! As you walk towards the Medmerry beach, take a moment to look in the fields and hedges that flank the footpaths. You might see a golden flash as a yellowhammer perches on the willow, or the bold, apricot breast of a male stone chat on the wire fence. Now that spring has arrived, the wheatear, with its Stone chat - Andy Hay striking monochrome tail in flight, will be joining us from Africa. Closer to the beach, at the Stilt Pools, avocets will be settling down to breed and raise their young. These elegant birds, with their black and white plumage, delicate sweeping bills, and pale blue legs, have taken a fancy to Medmerry, with growing numbers since the realignment took place. Later in spring, you can see the pom-pom like chicks teetering around the Stilt Pools. Medmerry has been a roaring success for mankind and nature alike, so much so that it is internationally recognised and an innovative solution to flood risk whilst leaving space for the natural world. Medmerry has won multiple awards and even features in GCSE and A-Level courses across the UK… and its right on our doorstep! With rapid urban development all along the south coast, places like Medmerry and its ‘twin’ reserve at Pagham Harbour (just a stone’s throw away) are holding more importance for our wildlife. If you want to see the wealthy wildlife at Medmerry for yourself, join us for one of our guided walks through the reserve. For more information, please visit events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour www.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour
