The natural world in spring time is filled with colour and new life; ideal for blowing away the cobwebs left behind by the long, bleak winter period. At Pulborough Brooks, we’re inviting you to celebrate the arrival of spring with us by getting out in the great outdoors and discovering what wildlife we are giving a home to on the reserve.
(Photo: Ben Andrews/RSPB Images)
Something for all ages at Pulborough Brooks!
Over the Easter holidays, we’ll be running a wide range of events and activities for families to join in with. The programme kicks off with our “Family Fun Day” on Saturday 31 March to celebrate the opening of our brand new playground. We’ll be offering free entry to families on this date with pond-dipping, games and quizzes among some of the activities on offer—of course, don’t forget to have a go on the new play equipment!
In celebration of ‘International Children’s Book Day’ on Monday 2 April, we’re going on a “Woodland Wildlife Adventure” in search of creatures from popular children’s books. Join us as we act out some stories, play some games and get up close and personal with some of our wonderful wildlife.
You’ll have the chance to become a wildlife detective for a day in our “Mousehunt!” event on Wednesday 11 April. We’ll be setting footprint tunnels and live traps to try and get a closer look at some of the mysterious mammals living on the reserve before dissecting owl pellets to see what (or who!) the owls had for dinner.
Booking is essential for both of these events so do give the visitor centre a call on 01798 875851 to book your place.
Drop in to see us and discover something new!
We have a number of drop-in events running during the holidays too including our ever-popular Pondemonium, running on Thursday 5 and Friday 13 April. You’ll have the chance to find out what creatures are lurking in the watery depths of our pond (with the help of a net!) – you could scoop a fearsome dragonfly larvae, a screeching water beetle or maybe even a newt! If ponds aren’t your thing, how about going Wild in the Woods with us on Monday 9 April? You can try your hand at building a den, search for minibeasts hiding under the logs and leaf litter, and do some arts and crafts to take home.
To top it all off, you and your family can even follow our springtime quiz around the nature trail and have a go at all of the activities that are dotted around the reserve.
Calling all Little Wild Things!
We run a fortnightly nature group throughout the year for those really small wildlife detectives. Little Wild Things runs from 10.15 am until 11.45 am every other Tuesday and is open to children aged from 2 ½ to 5 years old. During each session, we will focus on a theme and do a range of related activities, including a story and a craft to take home. You and your child will be able to meet some of the amazing creatures that we are giving a home to on our nature reserve, while learning something new, getting a bit mucky and having lots of fun! The sessions are designed to be as hands-on and sensory as possible, encouraging child-led exploration and natural play.
Booking is essential for Little Wild Things so do give the visitor centre a call on 01798 875851 to book your place.
New for 2018 – a fantastic adventure playground!
Play is a huge part of a child’s development. We recognise the value of encouraging young people of all abilities to simply be outside in the fresh air, build their motor skills and learn how to balance, climb, swing and jump. Our new play area has been designed with all of this in mind.
(Photo: Emily Summers)
Access to the Wildlife Explorer Meadow has also been greatly improved with the resurfacing of the path leading from the nature trail—the previously uneven, rocky surface has been replaced with smooth tarmac, giving an easy ride to those with buggies, wheelchairs and electric scooters.
The playground project was funded by Central Sussex LEADER, an EU-funded rural grant programme designed to support local businesses as part of the Rural Development Programme for England and the Postcode Local Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.