Waltham Brooks
Grazing marsh with a large open water area important for birds.
Almost opposite our Amberley Wildbrooks nature reserve, just across the river, lies the grazing marsh of Waltham Brooks. In winters of very heavy rainfall almost the entire reserve becomes a giant lake.The river banks of the Arun floodplain have been built up for flood defence creating an elevated walk-way to view the reserve from. Wildfowl such as Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon and Pintail take advantage of the sanctuary and the feeding opportunities the flood waters offer. In summer the lake can almost dry out leaving muddy margins important for breeding waders such as Lapwing and Redshank and the occasional passage migrant such as Green and Wood Sandpiper.
Waltham Brooks Nature Reserve is free to visit, but we are only able to care for Waltham Brooks with the support we receive from our members. Please consider becoming a member today.
Virtual Tour
Use the virtual tour below to explore the reserve by dragging around and clicking on where you'd like to walk.
Click 'view on google maps' to explore in more detail using the yellow figure to drag to different places on the reserve.
In this section
News
Be tick aware
10 March 2026
With spring around the corner it is a good time to brush up on your knowledge of ticks, where they live and what sensible precautions you can take.
How many nature reserves can you visit this year?
05 January 2026
Try our Reserves Checklist Challenge - how many can you tick off in 2026?
Our Nature Reserves Photography Competition 2025
12 September 2025
Sussex Wildlife Trust is calling for photographers to showcase the stunning natural beauty of the Trust’s nature reserves in a new photography competition.
Meet the staff: Ryan Allison
06 November 2024
Meet Site Manager- West, Ryan Allison and find out more about his work, life and conservation grazing horses!