Wetland

Reedbeds

Objectives

Maintain the existing important areas of reedbed by encouraging appropriate management.
Increase the amount of reedbed in appropriate areas by creation and re-creation.

Targets

Ensure all reedbeds over 0.5ha in size are managed for wildlife interest by 2005.
Create 100ha of reedbed by 2010.
Of the above: Create at least four reedbeds (in 20-hectares or greater blocks) along the Trent and Tame valley, through restoration of gravel pits and the Central Rivers Project.

Total achievements to date (November 1998 - March 2001)

3 hectares of reedbed have been created by Hanson Aggregates at Middleton and Barton Quarries.

Current Action

Protection and Policy

Two sites containing small areas of reedbed have been notified as SSSIs.
Reedbed has been listed as a costed key habitat in the UK Steering Group Report.
The Central Rivers Project has now been launched. This includes a strategy to increase the amount of wetland and riparian habitat along some of the riverways in Staffordshire.
Reedbed creation is targeted in various LEAPS that operate within the County.

Management, Research and Survey

A number of sites containing reedbeds are managed actively for their conservation.
Funding is available through the Countryside Stewardship scheme for management of reedbeds.
A 'Restoring Power to the Wetlands' project (managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and funded by Powergen) operates in the east of Staffordshire.

Action Plan

UK Lead Organisation:

English Nature

County Lead Organisation:

N/A

Policy

Promote the strategy for the creation of large reedbeds in the Trent and Tame Valleys. (CRP)
Ensure that all creation is carried out in a strategic manner on a region wide basis that fits in with national targets. (RSPB, EN, EA)
Promote the inclusion of reedbed habitat in after-use schemes as a condition of mineral extraction where appropriate. (SBAP Partnership)
Promote the sustainable use of reedbeds by local thatching and craft industries. (SBAP Partnership)
Promote the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems in all new development from 2001. (SBAP Partnership)
Ensure any examples of reedbed that meet the required criteria are given SBI status. (SBI Grading Committee)
Ensure appropriate reedbed sites meeting the SSSI criteria are designated. (EN)

Management

Seek to create and manage further areas of reedbed in appropriate areas. (Mineral Companies, CRP)
Encourage the development of sympathetic water abstraction and water level management policies in order to protect existing reedbeds. (EA, IDB)
Where appropriate, seek to install reedbeds and use reedbeds as filters and for nitrate removal at water treatment sites. (Water Companies)
Lobby for expansion of existing schemes such as Countryside Stewardship to encourage reedbed creation. (Nature Conservation Organisations)
Prepare and implement water level management plans for all priority sites. (EA, IDB)
Promote the use of reedbeds in balancing pond schemes to reduce adverse effects from urban run-off and further research into flow rates through reedbeds to maximise filtering benefits. (EA)

Monitoring and Research

Survey new sites for signs of colonisation by key species on a once yearly basis. (RSPB, WMBC)
Seek to monitor the creation, restoration and management of this habitat throughout the County. (SWT)
Produce a County reedbed inventory by 2005. (SBAP Partnership)

Advisory

Promote the biodiversity and landscape value of reedbed to the public and landowners. (SBAP Partnership)
Promote reed bed creation to minerals companies. (SBAP Partnership)

Complementary Plans