Call us on 01483 466066
Wetlands: reed beds and wader scrapes
Wetlands: reed beds and wader scrapes
Wetlands are waterlogged areas, such as marsh, fen or bog, and are considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems.
Some dry up seasonally, whilst others stay wet permanently. They are a valuable habitat for wildlife, especially for many bird species, and can act as a natural flood defence system.
England has lost 90% of its wetlands in the last 1000 years, due to factors including urban and agricultural development.
Reed beds and wader scrapes are two types of wetland that provide invaluable refuge and habitat for a wide range of wetland wildlife.
Using an excavator, wader scrapes are constructed to imitate natural hollows where water would accummulate. They support high volumes of insects which feed birds and amphibians, and encourage many plant species which benefit water voles.
Reed beds have a sloping profile and contain mostly common reeds. All parts of the reed bed are important for wildlife, from drier areas to the wettest, and are beneficial to water voles, many species of birds, butterflies and amphibians.
We have enhanced wetland areas and created both wader scrapes and reed beds, including a reed bed of 1.5 hectares and over 70,000 reeds.
For more information on wetland creation and enhancement projects please see:
Enhancement of nature reserve nears final phase
