Sidlesham Ferry was once an iconic place for birds and those who watch them in Sussex. A project is planned to restore its ecological value and become a key feeding, roosting and breeding site. The field is overlooked by one of Sussex's best birdwatching hides, so all can enjoy the spectacle.
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Beneficiaries
Situation
Sidlesham Ferry Pool and Fields sit at the heart of the Manhood (Selsey) Peninsula’s west and eastern wetlands, acting as a connective hub for wetland birds as well as a key feeding, breeding and roosting area. Despite the great location and a long history as an important wetland bird site, the site is falling below its ecological potential. The ability to manage key factors including water levels, salinity and chick/egg predation are currently severely limited.
Solution
By donating to this campaign, SOS will help finance part of a series of works to improve the area including a freshwater control structure, a bund built to separate the freshwater areas from the brackish (salt) water areas, the field's main pool reprofiled to 2ha with shallower margins (increasing wader feeding opportunities), islands established within the pools for breeding birds, new scrapes within the wider field for more feeding areas and the construction of a 1,900m anti-predator fence.
