The reed bed in winter
Photo: Dave Cole
Extension to the reed bed
Early in 2000 a major extension to the reed bed in Lagoon III was completed -a project funded jointly by Anglian Water and English Nature. The new reed bed is three hectares in size, with numerous dykes interspersing each area of reed. This provides ideal feeding edges for herons, bitterns and other species associated with this habitat type.
Click here to locate the reed bed on the reserve map
The reed-bed work involved earth moving machinery supplied by Fred Parnells of Spalding whose careful and sensitive operations minimised disturbance to the water fowl on the lagoon.
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The following spring, the reed had begun to establish itself well. However, invasive willow shoots had also begun to appear and it was pulled out - by hand! |
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Here is a series of pictures taken from the same spot to the north of the reed bed. The first shows the reeds soon after they were planted in 2000. |
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By September 2001, the new reed bed was developing well and providing cover for lots of dabbling ducks. Compare this picture with the one above it on the left: they show the same view. |
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Here is the reed bed in September 2003, with reeds probably 2 metres tall. |
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Finally the same spot in December 2004. |
