What’s new?
Pits reach new heights.
11th March 2011
Three Nene Valley nature reserves have been transformed into a haven for rare water birds.
The Wildlife Trust has carried out important work to enhance the wetland habitats at Higham Ferrers Pits, Ditchford Lakes and Meadows, and Wilson’s Pits for birds including the gadwall, mute swan and golden plover thanks to a grant from Natural England’s Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund.
The three sites are internationally recognized for the outstanding numbers of these species and other water birds.
Work included new signage at the entrance to Higham Ferrers Pits to explain the history, habitat and wildlife at the site and increased cattle and sheep grazing at Ditchford Lakes and Meadows to allow wildflowers to flourish with impressive shows of great burnet, lady’s bedstraw and cuckoo flower. We have been working with the public to explain how and why grazing is important and beneficial for wildlife living at the reserve. Grazing is vital for removing excess vegetation and nutrients from the meadows, which if left, would be detrimental to the wildflowers. The rare breed animals we use for grazing will also keep on top of the scrub growth such as hawthorn and willow which would eventually take over if left unchecked.
The Wildlife Trust has a vision for wildlife in the Nene Valley. We aspire to enhance our nature reserves, extend and buffer them with more wildlife habitat, and eventually link them all together to create one large landscape rich in wildlife for the enjoyment of everybody. Through this project we have taken one more step towards achieving this vision.
For more information please contact Jane Pearman, Northamptonshire Reserves Manager on 01604 774045
Notes
Bringing people together to take action for wildlife is the Wildlife Trust’s mission. We manage 126 nature reserves - all of them free to visit – and 95% of the population live within five miles of one of our reserves. We are working to make these wildlife havens bigger, better and more joined-up – vital to help wildlife to adapt to a changing climate. By gathering valuable information about wildlife and working with other landowners the Trust also monitors and safeguards wildlife beyond the boundary of its reserves.
Natural England’s ALSF Grant Scheme aims to support projects that reduce the effects of aggregate extraction on local communities and the natural environment.
We support projects which involve and deliver benefits for one or more of the following themes (these are covered more fully in our Guidance Notes below):
- Landscape and Nature Conservation
- Access and Informal Recreation
- Health and Well-being
- Education and Understanding
- Evidence Gathering