|
|
 |
National action plan -
Reedbeds
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Vision statement
|
Decisions are needed concerning the amount of reedbed we actually need to manage/create for avifauna conservation and expansion. There is more enthusiasm in certain parts of the country (e.g. Wales) for viewing reedbeds as merely components of a more dynamic and naturally functioning wetland landscape, particularly where reedbeds deliver co-benefits (e.g. water polishing) for other more sensitive wetland communities.
Important reedbeds for birds, particularly bitterns, are under threat from sea level rise, especially on the east coast of England. It is important to earmark sufficient space to landward for roll-back.
Succession is an important factor to consider, in that the reedbed has to be maintained in a still-stand condition for the avifauna. As a supplement to the comments above from Wales, it is important to also appreciate reedbeds in their pioneer role, especially over shallow water, in the development of botanically more diverse types of fen. These changes can be accommodated within a landscape-scale approach to restoration and creation of wetlands.
|
|
Latest UK status
|
| Value |
Units |
Accuracy of estimate |
Date assessed |
Comments |
| 7770 |
Hectares |
Partial survey |
2008 |
The UK figure is an under-estimate, as we do not have Soctland figure. Recent mapping in NI gives a lower estimate of extent than previoulsy thought..
The RSPB has committed significant resources to auditing its 18 key reedbed sites and implementing remedial action where necessary.
In the wider countryside some reedbeds remain in poor condition for key species e.g. bittern and in some cases there may be deterioration after previous restoration work if ongoing management has not be undertaken. The RSPB has commenced a roll-out of its audit programme which is being supported through the successful bid to the Countdown 2010 Biodiversity Action Fund – ‘Bringing reedbeds to life’.
|
|
More status information including Country values >
|
|
Targets
|
| Code |
Text |
UK Status |
Assessment date |
| T1 |
Maintain the extent of the existing resource of BAP habitat by active management and with no net loss (priority will be to maintain blocks of greater than 2ha, where appropriate). Links to Bittern SAP.
|
Target achieved |
2008 |
| T2 |
Maintain the condition of wet reedbed habitat where already favourable and establish by 2010, management to secure favourable condition for all areas of targeted reedbed currently judged as unfavourable. The target condition for all such areas should be favourable or unfavourable recovering by 2020. |
Some progress (on schedule) |
2008 |
| T3 |
Continue creating reedbed from land of low nature conservation interest with the objective of expanding the BAP resource by 3,000 ha across the UK by 2020. |
Some progress (behind schedule) |
2008 |
| T4 |
Establish 8 new landscape scale wetland complexes by 2020, at least 1 in each country in which reedbed is a major component along other wetland types. This cross-refers to targets in the uplands, lowland raised bog, wet woodlands, fen and C&FPGM HAPs. (Contributes to T3) |
Some progress (on schedule) |
2008 |
|
More target information including country values and progress reports >
|
|
Work programme
|
|
No work plan actions have been linked to this national plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
