Festive Reedbed Management - with our Rethink Reinforcements.

The RSPB in Weymouth have been working closely with the mental health charity Rethink for over seven years now and the relationship is as strong as ever - as are the benifits to all parties. Recent visitors to Radipole will have seen what is gradually becoming a substancial area of cut reed snaking up the main path away from the Visitor Centre, which has almost all been achieved during the past five relatively brief but productive fortnightly Rethink sessions.

Reed cutting is a major habitat management practice on Radipole Lake. The main reason for reed cutting is to reduce the accumulation of organic matter which, if left, will cause the beds to dry out and ultimately be ‘succeeded’ by woodland. Cutting compartments in a long rotation, (five to ten years say) we are able to promote a mosaic of differing age structures throughout the reedbeds to meet the requirements of numerous reedbed dwellers.

Annual reed cutting (known as ‘single wale’) promotes tall straight reed growth of a quality to be used for commercial thatch. It is hoped that sufficient single wale reed will be cut this winter to re-thatch the Visitor Centre. Annual cutting provides seed rich flower heads and therefore a valuable winter larder for bearded tits which feed almost exclusively on reed seed in winter and the takes place after seed and leaf drop in late winter.

Moving the cut reed by hand as is a laborious task made immeasurably easier by our many-handed allies. Although numbers were were down on the norm with Christmas approaching (perhaps I should have mentioned the mince pies and cream at our previous gathering!), but regardless light work was still made of it with Rethink in full flow.

A well earned festive treat while the brush cutter lies idle.

This may prove to be my last act of 'work' of 2011 so what better than to thank those who have done so much to support us this year. Too many of you to possibly mention but you know who you are and that you are massively appreciated.

Wishing you all a peaceful, wildlife infused Christmas and an Olympian New Year!

www.rethink.org/