The Avenue Washlands

View recent sightings at The Avenue Washlands

This wetland reserve consists of newly created reedbed, marsh, ponds and grassland in the valley of the River Rother on part of the site of the now decommissioned Avenue Coking Works. The new habitat was created in 2005 and a good variety of wildlife has been attracted to add to the species that were already well established. Further restoration work on the northern part of the site should lead to the creation of a further 40ha of nature reserve in 2012. The reserve is important for its water voles and great crested newts. In addition, farmland birds such as skylark and yellowhammer are well established here, while wetland birds including lapwing, tufted duck and little grebe breed on the reserve. Wintering water birds include wigeon, teal and snipe, and bittern has been seen on the reserve. As the reedbed and marsh develop it is hoped that reed warbler and sedge warbler will become regular summer visitors. The scrub and tall herb areas of the site attract passerine birds such as grasshopper warbler, linnet and whitethroat. A good range of butterflies, dragonflies and other invertebrates create much additional interest.