Marsh and Swamp - Cotswold Water Park
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 Cotswold Water Park Action Plan
Key factors
Glossary  

Extent/Distribution

Marshes and swamps including reedbeds, are increasing in area - mostly as a marginal fringe habitat of standing open water. Thirteen types of emergent swamp communities have been described in the park, but stands are small in size (<0.5 ha) as they are restricted to lake edges that have relatively shallow profiles, and species - poor as only species that are able to withstand variable water levels occur.

Threats

  • The shape of the lake sides affects the area available for reed growth
  • Changes of the water table
  • Bank side management
  • Stocking policies
  • Ecological succession
  • Recreational disturbance.

Action Plan Objectives

1) To create three large (10-20 ha) reedbeds in the Cotswold Water Park by 2020 (one of these to be created by 2005) These reedbeds should be part of a wetland complex with adjacent lakes, ponds, wet meadow, open water and carr woodland on land of low current conservation value.

Rationale: This is a priority habitat, and commitments have been made to create new areas in the UK Steering Group Report on Biodiversity, and in Action for Biodiversity in the South West (Cordrey, Ed 1997). Gravel pit extraction provides rare opportunities for the creation of reedbeds through after-use restoration. It is also an important habitat for many species of conservation concern, but these reedbeds will be of maximum value where they form part of a complex with habitats listed in Objective 1 above.

2) To create small areas of marsh and swamp habitats including reedbeds in the Cotswold Water Park. Target Date:- to be determined after survey described in Standing Open Water Habitat Action Plan, action 1.

Rationale: as above

3) Maintain and enhance the extent and quality of the present marsh and swamp community in the Cotswold Water Park. Target date: ongoing.

Rationale: These habitats are of importance to the species of conservation concern cited in list attached.

Action Plan Targets

see above

Current Action

no information currently available

Proposed Action

Policy and legislation

Habitat Creation

Subject to Thames Water's feasibility study, develop MAFF's, Cotswold District Council's and Gloucestershire County Council's support for the new after-use proposal of a reedbed at Shorncote.

LEAD: CWP Rangers Service
PARTNERS: EN RSPB
TARGET: 1998

Planning Framework

Encourage development schemes to include appropriate mitigation and compensation measures should they affect the habitat quality of reeds or other swamp and marsh vegetation.


LEAD: NCF
PARTNERS: local planning authorities
TARGET: ongoing

Management

Advisory

Continue to provide advice on the creation and management of reedbeds, swamps and marshes.

LEAD: RSPB EN WWT EA
PARTNERS: CWP Ranger Service
TARGET: ongoing

Advise and input to development plans to help gravel extractors create lakes with shallow shelving sides, allowing marginal swamp vegetation to flourish.

LEAD: NCF
PARTNERS: CWP Ranger Service
TARGET: ongoing
Research and monitoring

Research

To survey the area of marsh and swamp vegetation, including lake fringe marginal swamp vegetation in the Cotswold Water Park and identify areas with the potential for marsh and swamp creation.

LEAD:NCF
PARTNER: CWP Rangers Service
TARGET: 1998

To carry out a study to identify opportunities for economically sustainable management of reedbeds in the Cotswold Water Park.

LEAD:Joint Committee
PARTNER: WWT local planning authority
TARGET: 2000

Education and awareness raising

none


Progress

no information currently available

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