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Fen Raft Spider Stages Remarkable Comeback in UK Homes
20 Oct
Summary
- Fen Raft Spider, once thought extinct, now spotted in UK homes
- Spiders can grow as large as a human hand
- Conservation efforts have helped restore their populations
In a significant win for conservation, the Fen Raft Spider, one of the largest spiders in the UK, is staging a remarkable comeback after being on the brink of extinction just a decade ago. As of October 2025, these impressive arachnids, which can grow as large as a human hand, have been spotted in homes across the country.
The Fen Raft Spider, easily recognizable by its chocolate-brown body and distinctive cream-white stripes, was once thought to be extinct in Britain. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of organizations like the RSPB, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, and Sussex Wildlife Trust, their numbers have been steadily rising in recent years.
Through collaborative conservation projects to restore wetland habitats, the Fen Raft Spider population has rebounded, with reports of the semi-aquatic spiders reappearing in parts of Norfolk. While they may appear intimidating, these spiders pose no threat to humans, as their diet primarily consists of other invertebrates, such as small spiders, dragonfly larvae, and pond skaters. Occasionally, they have also been known to catch small vertebrates like fish and tadpoles.
