Langford Lowfields
Langford Lowfields currently comprises areas left after commercial aggregate winning from the floodplain of the River Trent. Prior to excavation, the area consisted of intensive arable farmland with no biological interest. The aggregate removal has left areas of open water and bare sand/silt.
The correct conditions for establishing the reedbed have already been created and reed planting has been done as part of this project. 1000s of reed seedlings have been planted over 4 years. The seedlings are thriving and the protective netting is being expanded to accommodate their growth. Water levels were lowered in July and August to encourage the reed to expand. To protect them from grazing wildfowl the newly planted reeds have been protected with wire fencing.
By the time the site is fully restored in 2025 it is envisaged that there will be 63 hectares of reedbed. When complete, not only will Langford Lowfields be capable of supporting breeding bitterns but it will also act as a stepping stone for bitterns travelling across the country from east to west.
Reedbed creation in this area is important because Langford Lowfields is well placed within the Trent Valley – an area that has huge potential for wetland recreation in areas of abandoned mining. It is hoped that project will encourage other similar schemes in the Trent Valley.
