Fen Raft Spider Makes a Comeback in Britain

The UK’s largest spider, the Fen Raft Spider, is making a remarkable comeback after nearly disappearing. Just over a decade ago, in 2010, these unique creatures were on the verge of extinction, with only a handful left due to the destruction of their wetland homes.

Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the numbers are now on the rise. Recent surveys from the RSPB show that there are up to 3,750 female Fen Raft Spiders across various nature reserves in Norfolk and Suffolk Broads.

The Fen Raft Spider is quite impressive, boasting a leg span of nearly three inches and spinning webs up to 25 cm wide. With its striking brown or black body featuring white or cream stripes, this spider is not just the largest of the UK’s 660 native species, but also quite beautiful.

These fascinating spiders thrive in fens, marshes, and wetlands, using their long hairy legs to skate gracefully across the water’s surface. Tim Strudwick, the site manager at RSPB’s Mid Yare nature reserves, mentioned that these spiders play a crucial role in maintaining the diverse aquatic life in the grazing ditches.

The female spiders, especially, are a sight to behold, but they are somewhat shy. You can spot them at RSPB reserves, with the best chances of sightings occurring from June to September along the meadow trail at Strumpshaw Fen.

Jane Sears, an RSPB ecologist involved in the project, emphasized the importance of restoring and protecting wetland habitats not just for the Fen Raft Spider but for many other species that rely on these environments.