This project's wetland restoration phase is funded by The National Heritage Lottery Fund until June 30th 2021. After this date, our FLOW volunteers will be able to continue to maintain the restored wetland habitats, with the support of donations from the public.

Why is this wetland restoration project important?

The network of waterways on the Manhood Peninsula connect the protected areas of Pagham Harbour, Medmerry and Chichester Harbour, and their upkeep is not just of benefit to wildlife, including the fast-declining water vole, but increasingly to people as more frequent flooding events take place.

We use a range of land management strategies to increase the capacity of ponds and to improve the ability of rifes and ditches to flow water out to sea, lowering the risk of flooding. Each site is planted up with wetland flora, native trees, and hedgerows, to create a stable food source and safe home for wildlife. Our team provide training to volunteers in a range of skills, including: GIS mapping, hedge laying, surveying, species identification and landscaping.

So far, through over 4900 active volunteer hours, we have surveyed more than 820 ditches, 30km of hedgerow, and have improved 42 sites.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers for making this conservation work possible, and to FLOW Project leader, Jane Reeve BSc (Hons) MSc, and Field Officer, Christopher Drake BSc, who lead the project.