Reprofiling a ditch at Pope's Marsh 1/4
Putting in a culvert 2/4
Enlarging and reprofiling a scrape/ pool 3/4
Scraping off vegetation 4/4

Big kit big plans


Friday 08 August, 2014


Over the next few months visitors to some NWT nature reserves could observe a great deal of action as heavy machinery moves in to help manage the land. It is not - as it may initially look - detrimental, but in fact an essential part of conservation management.

Several excavators and dumpers are on Pope’s Marsh on the North Norfolk Coast. Warden, Adam Pimble will be overseeing the creation of three new pools, and the installation of culverts and improved water control structures that will benefit both breeding and wintering waders. This project is under the ‘Living Coast’ banner and will improve water flow and quality. This habitat management work, funded by HLF, NE and public support should be completed by the end of September before wintering geese return, enabling them to enjoy a peaceful nature reserve.

In Broadland adjacent to NWT Hickling Broad, a new reed bed is being constructed as part of a joint project with Environment Agency using excavators and bulldozers. Initial construction of the perimeter bank and ditches has been completed. Further works will be done this summer to dig deep pools that will remain reed-free as refuges for fish . Reeds will be planted around the perimeters of the pools, as feeding habitat for bitterns.

Dumpers and excavators will be working at NWT Upton grazing marshes from August through to December 2014. This is the final year of a six year project at NWT Upton Broad and Marshes to ensure that water is held at optimum levels for target species including over wintering birds and breeding waders. It is part of the Rebuilding the Bure Valley Living Landscape project supported by Biffa Award, Natural England, Redwing Trust, SITA Trust and WREN. During this period additional scrapes and features will be added with the spoil used to address low points where water is currently being lost from the inner soak dyke to the outer soak dyke. A series of gates and splays will also be installed and fencing repairs carried out to aid the grazing operation.

Travelling to the west of the county, at the Methwold Wetland Creation (another joint project with Environment Agency) ditches are being dug and low banks are being constructed to retain water for growing reeds. This work is part of the bigger Wissey wetland recreation project and is to compensate for future loss of reed beds on the North Norfolk coast. Although not visible to visitors, those walking local footpaths may hear the excavators and dumper trucks until Autumn this year, beginning again in April 2015.
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