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Fen Raft Spider Stages Remarkable Comeback in British Wetlands
8 Oct
Summary
- Fen Raft Spider, once thought extinct, is making a "huge comeback" in UK
- RSPB's wetland restoration efforts have allowed the spider to thrive again
- Estimated 3,750 breeding females across 12 sites in Norfolk as of 2025
In a remarkable conservation success story, the Fen Raft Spider, a giant fish-eating arachnid once thought to be extinct in Britain, has staged a remarkable comeback in the country's wetlands.
As of October 2025, the spider's population has rebounded significantly, with an estimated 3,750 breeding females spread across 12 sites in Norfolk. This resurgence is being hailed as a major victory by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), whose dedicated efforts to restore wetland habitats have been crucial in allowing the species to thrive once again.
The Fen Raft Spider, which can grow as large as a human hand, had nearly disappeared from the UK by 2010 due to habitat loss. However, the RSPB's conservation work has enabled the semi-aquatic arachnid to make a remarkable comeback, with sightings now being reported near homes close to marshes and nature reserves.
While the sight of these large spiders may initially cause some unease among residents, experts emphasize that the Fen Raft Spider is not venomous and poses no threat to humans. Instead, its return is a testament to the improving health of Britain's wetlands and a clear demonstration of how focused conservation efforts can bring even the rarest creatures back from the brink of extinction.
