Dungeness
Bitterns, probably mostly from the continent, use Dungeness nature reserve in winter, but they do not stay and breed. The EU LIFE project aims to change this by providing more suitable habitat for these birds.
The existing six hectare (ha, 14 acre) reedbed is being expanded by 25 ha (61 acres) to create one of the largest reedbeds near to the continent.
In 2002, mechanical diggers excavated an 11ha area (approximately 145,000m3) of dry grassland to below water level, creating the correct ground height and variation for reeds to thrive. Excavated material was used to partially infill and shallow out the adjacent deep gravel pits. Planting and protecting the reed from grazing birds such as coots and geese has begun and will continue until 2006.
In 2003, 2005 and 2005 additional work has been done to re-shape ditches and open water margins,create pools and planting and protecting reed.
This work is important because bitterns like to feed along the edges of reedbed, ditches and pools, and access to food is a critical factor in the successful raising of chicks.
Dungeness is part of the Dungeness to Pett Levels Special Protection Area (SPA), an area designed to protect migratory birds and certain particularly threatened bird species.
In the breeding season, there are nationally important numbers of pochards, gadwalls and garganeys and Dungeness also has important numbers of shovelers. In winter, important numbers of Bewicks Swans, white fronted-geese, wigeons, gadwalls, smews, coots and ruffs visit.
Dungeness also has an amazing variety of other wildlife, including the medicinal leech. More than 65 species of endangered invertebrates have been found on the reserve and the wetlands are also home to great crested newt.
You can find more information about Dungeness in the reserves section of the RSPB website.
