Sussex Scrapbook
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Nature walks throughout the year
Sunday 7th January 2007
Coldwaltham Brooks
Seeing as we love the place so much, and a Hen Harrier has been seen there
lately, we rode down to Coldwaltham Brooks near Pulborough. The moment we got on
the raised path that follows the river I spotted the harrier flying low over the
marshy reed beds. It landed in a small bush momentarily and then disappeared. We
didn't get to see it again unfortunately but our luck was in today as we managed
to dodge rain clouds all day.
The brooks and marshes in this area of Sussex are of an extremely rare type.
Pulborough Brooks, Amberley Wild Brooks and Coldwaltham Brooks are a haven for
plant and animal species. Many of the rarest plant species in Sussex can be
found in this area of floodplain around the River Arun. Marsh Mallow, Ivy-leafed
Crowfoot, Greater Water-Parsnip, Marsh Cinquefoil to name just a few.
We really thought that we would quickly get soaked today.
As it was we were left totally unscathed!
The car park here at Greatham Bridge is a good place to
start off from for a walk on Coldwaltham or Amberley Wild Brooks.
This little place right by the river we have named "Ratty's
House".
Walking south on the Western bank of the Arun. Coldwaltham
brooks on the right, Amberley Wild Brooks on the left.
As usual, no good for humans - great for everything else!