There are still small streams, which dried up in large parts during the dry summers of 1996 and 1997. Grass Snakes, Natrix natrix , are also present as well as numerous Slow-worms, and Common Frogs. Common Lizards can also be discovered under logs etc. The Grey Wagtail is increasing in numbers but still a notable sight. It has never been common here at least from the 1960s.
Willow trees colonise the stream banks.
Pheasants are occasionally seen in the fields to the north of the Waterworks. Shrews , Sorex araneus , scuttle quickly across the cycle path from Old Shoreham to Bramber. On the west side of a river, the country road from the Sussex Pad to Coombes, Botolphs , Annington and Bramber Castle, marks the boundary between the flood plain and the downs . Up to 25 years ago, Elms made a canopy over parts of the road so that was like a dark tunnel in the day. In those days of old, Treecreepers scuttled up the trees, but I have not seen them recently.