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The Fen Raft Spider
12.10.2026
- Three people stand beside a narrow waterway in a wetland habitat surrounded by tall grasses, reeds and trees. One person uses a camera or viewing device to observe wildlife near the water's edge, while the others look on. Dense vegetation lines the bank, and the scene highlights nature observation and conservation activity in a freshwater environment.
- A water-dwelling spider stands on the surface of a pond among floating leaves. The spider's long legs spread across the water, while reflections and ripples create patterns around it.
- A dark brown spider rests on a green leaf among long grass and wetland plants beside a body of water. Tall blades of grass partially frame the spider, with leafy vegetation and water visible in the background.
- Two people walk along a narrow grassy path through a wetland landscape bordered by tall reeds and vegetation. Trees and low hills can be seen in the distance beneath a partly cloudy sky.
What has eight legs, walks on water, hunts beneath the surface, and was once on the brink of extinction in Britain?
I recently took a walk along the Tennant Canal near Jersey Marine with Clare from Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust and Liz from Wales Environment Link to see the remarkable fen raft spider. I'm glad to say I'm its species champion!
Discovered here in 2003, the Tennant Canal remains the only known home of the fen raft spider in Wales. I was delighted to be able to see several of them on my short walk, including a mother carrying an egg sac!
Once at risk of vanishing, thanks to the tremendous efforts of volunteers and dedicated conservation organisations, the fen raft spider is one of our biggest, yet least well-known, conservation success stories.