WWT Arundel

So well cared for, this is a great place to see all sorts of Wildfowl. A couple of decades have passed since our last visit. The habitats and landscaping have developed and matured extremely well. Our grownup son was pretty sure that the landscape and habitat was already like it is now. Looking at my photos from 20-30 years ago, it is clear what a significant and sustained effort has created. The staff are wonderfully helpful, but sometimes unctuous, to an almost delirious or neurotic extent, especially the receptionist. I wanted to ask her to tone it down and stop talking to everyone like this was an amateur dramatic workshop on enthusiastic grandparents welcoming favourite grandchildren. It would be more suitable to speak to adults as adults.

One other thing that always detracts from the experience at WWT sites is the obvious clipping of wings. I see why it has to be done, but it does seem just as brutal as a cage or a chain. It makes the place more like a zoo. Since conservation is all about habitat and ecosystems, it is jarring to see pelicans next to avocets, for example. Also, it seems unnatural to force so many hundreds of ducks and geese into single areas next to the visitor centre. I would urge WWT to try to reduce their dependence on exotica and focus on migratory and resident species.

Despite these niggles, this was a wonderful day out and I am always happy to be there. The joy is in the calmness and the habitat, not fawning welcomes or exotic species!