RSPB Pulborough Brooks
Discover abundant birdlife, from majestic eagles to elusive nightingales, amidst stunning woodland and wetland habitats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Nightingales sing, migrants arrive
RSPB Pulborough Brooks
Best Time
Nightingales sing, migrants arrive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover abundant birdlife, from majestic eagles to elusive nightingales, amidst stunning woodland and wetland habitats.
"A lovely place for birding and nature walks with beautiful scenery and unique wildlife."
Binoculars are key! :binoculars:
Essential for spotting distant birds. Many visitors recommend bringing your own or checking rental options.
Check recent sightings :bird:
The RSPB website often has updates on what birds have been spotted, helping you plan your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
White-tailed Eagles
Arun Valley
Witness the majestic return of these magnificent birds of prey, reintroduced to the English skies.
Nightingale Song
Woodland & scrub areas
Experience the enchanting, complex song of the elusive nightingale during spring.
Wetland Wonders
Wetlands
Discover a haven for vulnerable wildlife, including migrating lapwings and other wetland birds.
Night Safaris
Various locations on reserve
Embark on thrilling night safaris to spot moths, bats, and other nocturnal creatures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Bird Sightings
Accessibility & Mobility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Binoculars are key! :binoculars:
Essential for spotting distant birds. Many visitors recommend bringing your own or checking rental options.
Check recent sightings :bird:
The RSPB website often has updates on what birds have been spotted, helping you plan your visit.
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Book night safaris in advance :calendar:
These popular events can sell out quickly, especially during peak season.
Tips
from all over the internet
Binoculars are key! :binoculars:
Essential for spotting distant birds. Many visitors recommend bringing your own or checking rental options.
Check recent sightings :bird:
The RSPB website often has updates on what birds have been spotted, helping you plan your visit.
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Book night safaris in advance :calendar:
These popular events can sell out quickly, especially during peak season.
Dog-friendly woodland walks :dog:
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in designated woodland areas, perfect for a family outing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise RSPB Pulborough Brooks for its beautiful scenery and diverse birdlife, with many highlighting the unique opportunity to see species like white-tailed eagles and nightingales. The night safaris are a particular draw, offering an engaging and educational experience. However, some find certain paths challenging for mobility scooters, and the cafe's food options can be limited.
"A lovely place to visit. I took my elderly father who uses a mobility scooter. It was a bit restricting where he could go, some paths were bumpy and narrow. On a nother visit he will hire one of the tramper scooters. Sadly we didn't see any interesting birds but the views were beautiful."
Lesley Putt
"Lovely place for birding and nature walks. You can spend a day here as there are many walking trails, toilets and cafe. There is also kids play area and few benches so you can bring your own picnic. Toilets are clean and well maintained. Cafe has limited food options and might get sold out for few items on a busy day. But indoor and outdoor seating area. You can enjoy beautiful scenery with food. Enough parking space but free only for RSPB members. We recently visited with our 1 year old and had a wonderful time. They don’t have any food option for young kids but we did carry our own snacks."
Shraddha Govekar
"We went on the night time moth and bat safari at the reserve and loved the experience. It was really special - from pond dipping as the sun went down and finding great crested newts, to seeing beautiful species of moths up close, to venturing out on an exciting bat spotting adventure in the dark! Our guides were all passionate and knowledgeable, and very warm and welcoming. It was really cool that it was so interactive and that each pair got their own bat detection device, making it very interactive. Also thought it was good accessibility wise with a mobility scooter on hand and lots of guidance about the nature of the paths, walking distance etc. Very much enjoyed spending time in a mixed age group - an enjoyable activity whether you’re 8 or 80."
Ellie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
RSPB Pulborough Brooks is accessible by car, with ample parking available (free for RSPB members). It's also reachable by public transport, with the nearest train station being Pulborough, followed by a short taxi or bus ride.
Yes, there is a car park. Parking is free for RSPB members, and there's a charge for non-members.
The reserve is located within the South Downs National Park, which has many cycling routes. Secure bike parking is usually available.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official RSPB Pulborough Brooks website for the most up-to-date information on opening times for the reserve, cafe, and shop.
Absolutely! With various walking trails, a cafe, and a play area, it's perfect for a full day of exploration and nature enjoyment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the reserve is free for RSPB members. Non-members typically pay an admission fee, which helps support conservation efforts.
RSPB membership grants free entry. Check the RSPB website for any other potential discounts or family ticket options.
While walk-in visits are common, booking online in advance is recommended for special events like night safaris to secure your spot.
Admission typically includes access to the reserve's walking trails, viewing hides, and the wild play area. Special events may have separate charges.
The reserve is generally open year-round, but specific opening times for facilities like the cafe and shop may vary. Always check their website before visiting.
🎫 🐦 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of birds, including resident species and migratory visitors. Highlights include white-tailed eagles, lapwings, nightingales, storks, and peregrine falcons. 
Yes, guided walks are often available, led by knowledgeable RSPB staff or volunteers who can help you spot and identify birds.
The reserve offers a network of walking trails through woodland and wetlands. Some paths are well-maintained, while others can be bumpy or narrow, especially for mobility scooters.
Yes, there is a cafe offering food and drinks, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Options can be limited, especially on busy days.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic. There are benches available, and the cafe also offers seating.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewing hides offer excellent vantage points for photographing birds in their natural habitat. Early mornings and late afternoons provide softer light.
A long lens is highly recommended to capture clear shots of birds, especially when they are at a distance.
While not always advertised, guided walks can sometimes offer opportunities for photography enthusiasts. Inquire at the visitor centre.
Beyond birds, you might photograph insects like moths, bats on night safaris, and potentially reptiles like adders.
Yes, white-tailed eagles have been sighted and photographed at Pulborough Brooks, making it a special location for raptor photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as the cafe's options might be limited for little ones. Consider bringing binoculars for the children to enhance their birdwatching experience – it makes spotting birds even more thrilling! The reserve's natural beauty and the chance to see unique wildlife like storks or even eagles can create lasting memories for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Birding Enthusiasts
Engaging with guided walks can be a great way to learn from experienced birders and discover hidden spots. The reserve's commitment to conservation means you're supporting vital work while enjoying the natural beauty. Don't forget your binoculars and a good field guide to make the most of your solo adventure.
♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs
It's recommended to contact the reserve in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs and to inquire about the condition of the paths on the day of your visit. The staff are generally helpful and can provide guidance on the most accessible routes and facilities, ensuring a more comfortable and fulfilling visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Birdwatching Hotspots
+2Beyond these highlights, the reserve attracts a diverse range of birdlife throughout the year. Migratory species add to the excitement, making it a dynamic location for birders. The RSPB actively manages the wetlands to support vulnerable wildlife, creating an environment where these birds can thrive. Consulting recent sightings on the RSPB website before your visit can significantly enhance your birdwatching experience.
For optimal viewing, utilize the strategically placed viewing hides that offer excellent perspectives of the wetlands and surrounding areas. Binoculars are an absolute must for any visitor hoping to get a closer look at the feathered inhabitants.
Beyond the Birds: Nocturnal Adventures
Participants can engage in activities like pond dipping as dusk settles, searching for fascinating amphibians such as great crested newts. As darkness fully descends, the focus shifts to spotting moths and bats. Visitors are often equipped with bat detection devices, allowing them to hear the ultrasonic calls of bats, adding an interactive and educational element to the safari.
These night safaris are praised for their passionate and knowledgeable guides who create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The interactive nature of the events, combined with the thrill of discovering nocturnal wildlife, makes them suitable for a wide range of ages, from 8 to 80. Booking these popular events in advance is highly recommended as they tend to sell out quickly.
Accessibility and Family Fun
Families will find plenty to keep younger visitors entertained. The wild play area offers a space for children to explore and burn off energy. The winding paths and natural environment also provide an engaging backdrop for a family day out. While the cafe may have limited food options for very young children, visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks.
The reserve's commitment to accessibility was highlighted during a night safari experience, where guidance on path nature and walking distances was provided, ensuring a comfortable outing for all. This thoughtful approach makes RSPB Pulborough Brooks a welcoming place for multi-generational groups.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit