A very exciting project is happening at Fen Drayton Lakes! Work is currently underway to deliver improvements to the wildlife habitat as part of the Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The work, which is one of the biggest projects to happen on the reserve in several years, will be a major boost to the fortunes of some of our key wildlife species. Earthworks contractors, Miles Waterscapes, will be carrying out the earthworks to the north of Ferry Lagoon and on Moore Lakes until early autumn.
We are enhancing existing islands and wet features, re-profiling lakes shores and removing invasive willow scrub for the benefit of birds all year round. The habitat will be especially beneficial for species such as lapwing, snipe, redshank and wintering ducks. These wetland birds favour open conditions, where they can spot approaching predators, and areas of marshy, shallow water which are perfect for feeding and roosting. These birds tend to avoid lakes ringed by trees and so, after the work is completed, the reserve will be much more attractive for wetland species.
The improvements will also increase the abundance and diversity of species associated with these wetland margin habitats, such as amphibians and aquatic invertebrates and plants.
Amazingly, we are already seeing an effect – since the work began last week, greenshank, common sandpiper, ruff and dunlin have already been making use of the newly exposed mud!
We plan to keep disruption to our visitors to a minimum.
If you have any questions about the work taking place, please send us an email at fendraytonlakes@rspb.org.uk
Lapwing. Image credit Andy Hay (rspb-images)