A key element of managing RSPB wetland reserves is the cutting and removal of wetland vegetation. This management work is both labour intensive and creates large volumes of waste material. In most cases the disposal of this material is problematic to the extent that it can limit the management achieved. Due to the restriction of manual techniques, there is a danger that habitat quality is lost and compromised. At the Exe Estuary Reserves we have a constant battle with species such as soft rush, which we treat, cut and clear annually. The rush thrives on the wetland conditions created to benefit breeding waders and wintering waders and wildfowl.
In an attempt to find a solution the RSPB has completed small-scale trials over a number of years to investigate ways of utilising this waste wetland biomass. So far this work has focused on the production of briquettes made from compacted reed, rush and wood, which can then be used in domestic heating. Although successful there are still many obstacles to overcome such as moisture content, emissions and ensuring the process is energy efficient and such work demands investment. However this work has interested the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) who are subsequently preparing to fund a 2 year competition to develop the complete process from wetland harvest through to the creation of bio-energy.
Over recent months RSPB have been working closely with DECC’s Science and Innovation team to explain the nature of the wetland management issue and to calculate the potential energy gains from processing the waste biomass. There has also been liaison with the consortium of wetland managers from the sites where the development work and demonstrations are proposed to take place.
The project has progressed quickly and DECC are launching the innovation competition on 8th October 2012 inviting industry and academia to apply to design, build and procure the machinery needed to create and deliver the wetland biomass to bio-energy process. At the end of the two-year project the aim is to have a process in place which will enable wetlands managed by nature conservation organisations and other land managers to be harvested economically, allowing us to further improve the habitat for wildlife, increase the area managed, together with producing bio-energy to reduce our carbon footprint and fund future operations. This is an amazing step forward for this work and the opportunity we have been waiting for to progress this aspect of nature reserve management to an effective conclusion.