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Wading birds on the Ouse Washes have stunned staff at WWT
Welney Wetland Centre by turning up in droves to breed thanks to newly created
habitat, giving eager visitors the chance to see them rearing their chicks.
In 2008 just five pairs of lapwing bred on the former arable fields just
beside the Ouse Washes. This year 67 breeding pairs of waders have been
recorded in the same area, including lapwing, redshank, little ringed plover
and avocet.
With the support of the Environment Agency and Natural England, WWT converted
the two areas of farmland to wet grassland over two years, providing ideal
habitat for the birds. The new habitat covers nearly 80 hectares, all visible
from the cafe in Welney Wetland Centre.
Leigh Marshall, Reserve Manager at WWT Welney, commented: “That the birds have
turned up in such huge numbers just goes to show that there’s a real demand
for this type of habitat. Many farms once included wet fields like these but
it is estimated about 45% were drained over the 20th century which has
undeniably had an effect on wader numbers around the country.
“Our neighbouring farmers have been really supportive, providing livestock to
graze the area which has kept the grass in tip top condition for the birds.”
WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray commented: “All around the world, populations
of wading birds are declining, largely because their wetland habitats are
being ruined. Globally 23 species of wader are red listed and another 20
species are heading in that direction. So we’re hugely proud to be able to
report such a successful breeding season. It clearly demonstrates how
important habitat is to conservation.”
Roger Gerry, from Natural England, added: “The figures speak for themselves,
this is a huge boost to wetland birds in the Fens and for everyone that comes
to enjoy seeing them. Natural England hopes to continue giving this project
our support through our Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme in the future.”
WWT created the wet grassland by digging a system of ditches, channels and
scrapes into the former arable land and seeding it with native grasses. As
well as being a success with breeding waders this summer, the habitat has
attracted huge numbers of ducks from the Arctic, which come to escape the
harsh winter weather. Last winter saw a huge jump in the number of wintering
wigeon with 1,600 seen on one day from the cafe, along with 540 other ducks.
But the real delight for staff and visitors alike has been the numbers of
breeding waders throughout this spring. 33 pairs of lapwing, 29 pairs of
redshank, 3 pairs of avocet and two pairs of little ringed plover have been
recorded on the site. |
