What are those structures that you can see from the side flap of Heron Hide? (Not sure where this is? - try the map of the reserve.

From a distance they resemble circular-shaped fences, built below the high water level in the area sometimes called Heron Bay.

The picture below shows more clearly how they have been constructed and Reserve Manager, Tim Appleton, says that when the water levels rise they are similar to coral reefs in that they provide excellent spawning grounds for fish.

Trevor Alcock from Brooksby Melton College explains:

"The sites were built by Countryside Students from the college. They have been constructed of coppiced willow, alder and cut grass from the reserve. Live willow stakes have been driven into the ground and then rods of willow and alder, woven in between like a hurdle fence all around the outside 1 metre high. The middle is full of cut grass and two have been planted with willow . Another two have alder and willow laid flat and piled up with planted willow rods in between. They will become permanent living islands when the water levels rise. It is also hoped that they will trap silt, which will create ideal nesting islands. Grebes in particular should find these attractive."

This picture shows the reefs on a cold February afternoon. Goosander, gulls, Goldeneye, Coot and an occasional wintering Bittern have all found the structures attractive feeding sites.

Look out from the Anglian Water Visitor Centre or the hides overlooking the lagoons during the summer months and you are sure to see Common Terns, noisily defending their nests and, later, bringing small fish to feed their chicks.

Several islands and floating rafts have been provided to accommodate their nests.

The picture below shows one of the rafts being constructed in the workyard.

Below the raft is being launched and filled with gravel before being towed to the middle of Lagoon I where it is anchored.