Rare spiders stretch their legs

Large, beautiful and very rare Fen Raft Spiders have been spotted across RSPB nature reserves in Norfolk, at least 2.5 miles from where they were released in a major translocation project 10 years ago.

Surveys this year recorded these spiders in ditches at Strumpshaw Fen as well as at Buckenham Marshes and Cantley – a significant expansion of their range, and a big win for the RSPB-backed project striving to save this Vulnerable species.