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23/11/2011 09:51: Reed all about it

A barren landscape which was subjected to more than 20 years of gravel extraction has been transformed into a haven for wetland wildlife in just three years, thanks to the hard work and determination of the Cotswold Water Park Trust.

In 2008, a grant of £55,000 through SITA Trust’s Enriching Nature Programme made it possible to create a large reedbed at Cleveland Lakes on land restored after gravel extraction. SITA Trust provides funding to biodiversity conservation projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.

A total of 33,000 reeds were planted into the rough ground by hand, taking volunteers and staff many hundreds of hours. In addition 6,000 metres of temporary fencing was installed to protect the young reed plants from grazing by ducks, swans, geese, rabbits, deer and even slugs.

The result of this concerted planting has been truly amazing, with the coverage of reed increasing from just 120 square metres in 2008 to almost 12,000 square metres in 2011, a hundred fold increase. To ensure invasive species such as willow and reedmace did not encroach and suffocate the reeds, staff have constantly monitored and managed the young reedbed for the past three years.

Wildlife surveys conducted over the summer of 2011 have revealed an incredible increase in the variety and numbers of wildlife down amongst the reeds. Five species of water bird are now confirmed as breeding there - and in total, 121 individual species made up of Birds, Bats, Beetles, Butterflies, Rodents, Damselflies & Dragonflies, aquatic and terrestrial plants have been identified and recorded in the reedbed area, a great result for wildlife and proof that it is possible to create something from nothing!

There is easy public access to the reedbed, with a wonderful artist designed bird hide, known as the Reed Hide which overlooks the site. From Waterhay car park near Ashton Keynes, or Bridge car park on the Spine Road, it is about 1.5 miles walk or cycle to the reedbed – why not collect a map from the Gateway Information Centre and set off to explore this peaceful part of the Cotswold Water Park.

Quote from Matthew Millett, Managing Director of the Cotswold Water Park Trust: "In 2008 Cleveland Lakes was anything but a pretty sight, resembling a battlefield. The funding from SITA Trust and the efforts of our volunteers and staff enabled us to transform this barren and inhospitable landscape into a thriving nature reserve. It is a place that I hope will not only be of ever increasing importance for its wildlife but also valued by the people who visit.

Quote from James Lockhart of Whitmarsh Lockhart, Swindon: "On a bitterly cold windy day on 20th March 2008, staff from Whitmarsh Lockhart spent a day planting reeds along the banks of one of the major lakes. We are delighted to say that at the end of a long day we had managed to plant over 4,000 reeds, which gave us all a great sense of achievement."

We were delighted to see our hard effort has been physically rewarded and we sincerely hope that the wildlife are thriving in their new environment."