Search
Close this search box.

Is it safe to go in the water?

There’s a great white at large!

The water in the tributary of the River Adur isn’t quite deep enough to host a great white shark, but we’ve been thrilled to see a great white egret spending some time at Knepp. 

This magnificent bird has been spotted at Arundel WWT Reserve, Warnham Nature Reserve and Pulborough Brooks RSPB Nature Reserve – it may well be the same individual that has been visiting Knepp; it’s not far to travel for bird with a wingspan of 170cm.

This photo was taken by Knepp bird survey volunteers Chris and Juliet Moore

Standing as tall as a Grey Heron, it’s an impressive bird, with a pure white plumage and a pumpkin orange bill. As it prefers to hunt in flood meadows and along rivers where it catches fish, frogs and aquatic insects, the river restoration with its scrapes and slow flow is the perfect spot for feeding here.

In the last 25 years sightings of the great white egret have become more frequent in the UK, as their numbers grow in France and the Netherlands. In 2012 a pair successfully bred in the UK for the first time, and in 2017 twenty young fledged from two sites in the UK.

It’s wonderful to see a bird that once saw such a catastrophic decline in Europe, thriving and expanding its range across Europe and here in the UK.

by Penny Green, Knepp Ecologist

Related Articles

Episode 28: Wild Finca

Episode 28 of the Knepp Wildland Podcast transports us far away from Knepp and into the beautifully rugged landscape of Asturias in Spain. We’re visiting

Read More

Regenuary at Knepp  

This year at Knepp, we are championing ‘Regenuary’ over ‘Veganuary.’ Embracing the occasional consumption of organic, pasture-fed meat supports a well-balanced and eco-conscious diet.  No

Read More

Our 12+ Policy

Knepp Wildland Safaris and campsite are all about the quiet and patient observation of nature.

Some of the species we are likely to encounter are shy or can be frightened by loud noises or sudden movements. Our campsite with open-air fire-pits, wood-burning stoves and an on-site pond is unsuitable for small children.

For this reason, our safaris, holiday cottages and campsite are suitable only for children of 12 and over.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

* indicates required
/ ( mm / dd )
Interests