Mild winter causes ducklings to arrive early

The family of mallard ducklings hatched on Thursday at the centre in Mill Road, and the weather has had an impact on their arrival.

It may have been one of the wettest few months on record, but the winter has also been unseasonably mild.

The centre said this warmer weather had caused the ducklings to be born earlier than normal.

The ducklings were noticed by WWT staff during their end-of-day walk at the reserve on Thursday evening.

A spokeswoman said: “In 2013, the spring was late and cold, delaying many ducklings from hatching until mid- March.

“The ducklings are in the lakes and forest exhibit.”

The WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, in Mill Road, is open between 9.30am and 4.30pm seven days a week.

For a video of the new ducklings, visit the Littlehampton Gazette’s website, www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk

Visit wwt.org.uk/arundel for more information about the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre.

As well as hundreds of species of birds, the reserve is also home to other wetland creatures such as otters, watervoles and dragonflies, all in their natural environment.

The centre holds year-round events such as walks and talks, safaris and feeding sessions, photography and craft classes, children’s activities and a host of special guest speakers.