Extent/Distribution
Reedbeds are a rare habitat in Gloucestershire,
the total surviving area is thought to be approximately 20-25 ha although
some new areas are currently being created. The main sites are the Cotswold
Water Park, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Purton Timber
Ponds,Frampton gravel pits plus a few small isolated sites along the Severn
in particular near Lydney.
Threats
- Small total area of the habitat within the UK
- Loss of area by excessive water abstraction and in the past, land
drainage and conversion to
intensive agriculture
- Limited incentives available to manage reedbeds
- Lack of or inappropriate management leading to reedbeds drying out,
scrub encroachment and succession to woodland
- Pollution of freshwater supplies to reedbed; siltation may lead
to drying; toxic chemicals may lead to loss of fish and amphibian
prey for key species; accumulation of poisons in the food chain and
eutrophication may cause reed death.
- Coastal defences in the Severn Vale have altered suitable habitat
and limit the possibilities for reedbed creation.
- Realignment of flood defences may involve the loss of reedbed.
In-filling resulting in habitat loss
- Built development including roads leading to habitat loss
Factors specific to the Cotswold Water Park include:
· Bank side management
· Ecological succession
· Changes of the water table
· Recreational disturbance
· The shape of the lake sides affects the area available for
reed growth.
· Fish stocking policies
Action
Plan Objectives
- To maintain and enhance the extent and quality of the existing
reedbeds in the county
- To create new reedbeds throughout the county.
- To increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of reedbeds.
- To investigate the feasibility of establishing a local market for
Gloucestershire reed by 2010.
Action
Plan Targets
- All significant reedbeds (those over 0.5 ha)
in the county under favourable management by
2003.
- Three large (10-20 ha) reedbeds in the Cotswold
Water Park by 2020 (one of these to be created by 2005).
- 30 ha of new reedbed in the Severn Vale, preferably
consisting of 2 to 3 large sites (10-20 ha) by 2020.
- To create 10 ha of smaller areas of reedbeds
in suitable locations ideally forming a network of
reedbed and wetland habitats in the Severn Vale by 2020
(The Severn and Avon Vale Natural Area objectives are to create 100
ha of new reedbed, the 40 ha would be Gloucestershire’s contribution
to this target).
Current
Action
{Current action}
Proposed
Action
Policy and legislation
{policy}
Management
{Management}
Research and monitoring
{Research}
Education and awareness
raising
{Education}
Progress
{Progress}
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