Otmoor
Otmoor nature reserve in Oxfordshire recreates some of the magnificent natural wetland that used to lie along the River Ray. It borders a 211 hectare (ha, 521 acre) Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), noted for its national importance for wildlife. Many species including birds such as lapwings, redshanks, snipe and curlews breed on the reserve. As part of the EU LIFE bittern project, we hope to add bitterns to the list of breeding birds.
Traditionally, the area would have been flooded in winter and then grazed in summer. Over time, engineering of the River Ray has changed the landscape dramatically. Agricultural improvements – including the introduction of pumps to drain the land for arable farming – have also contributed to dramatic declines in wildlife with the loss of suitable habitat.
Before Otmoor was bought by the RSPB, it was predominantly arable farmland. Over 225 ha (555 acres) are being restored to wet grassland.
The work for the EU Life bittern project has seen a 20 ha (49 acres) reedbed emerge from a reservoir. Essential repairs were also done to the existing bund. Reed seedlings were grown on site before being planted out. In 2002, 25,000 seedlings were planted by volunteers and a further 26,200 were planted in 2003. The newly planted reeds are protected from grazing geese and coots with tunnels of netting.
The reedbed creation at Otmoor is important for the colonisation of bitterns across the UK, providing a stepping stone between East Anglia and the sites in south west England. The reedbed will be big enough to support one pair of breeding bitterns and at least one wintering bittern. It is already looking hopeful, as a bittern was seen for the first time in late 2002.
For more information please contact:
The RSPB, Otmoor Nature Reserve, c/o Lower Farm, Noke, Oxford
OX3 9TX. Telephone: 01865 848385.
