Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles & Mammals
Fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals are not limited to reedbeds but there are certain species that are particularly associated with reedbeds.
Fish
The dense structure of reedbeds provides cover for fish and deep pools can act as refuges. The species found in reedbeds tend to be those associated with lowland eutrophic rivers these include pike, tench, roach, rudd, bream and eel (Hawke & JosČ, 1996). Smaller species such as minnow and stickleback are found in shallow water amongst reed stems or at water margins.
Amphibians
Ample food and good cover mean that common frogs and toads can occur at high densities, they generally require small areas of open water such as pools and ditches. The eggs of fogs and toads are a food source for many animals. Smooth, palmate and great-crested newts can also be found in reedbeds but they tend to be associated with well vegetated ditches.
Reptiles
Grass snakes nest and hibernate in cut reed and litter and feed on amphibians.
Mammals
A number of mammas are associated with reedbeds. Ditches can provide suitable habitat for water voles and water shrews, however they can also attract mink. Reedswamp areas tend to be too wet to support the majority of terrestrial species, however, harvest mice are able to colonise because they build aerial nests and can clamber between the reeds. Reedfen on the other hand makes an excellent habitat for small mammals common shrew, pygmy shrew, water shrew, bank vole, field vole, wood mouse and harvest mouse have all been recorded in reedfen. There are generally two large mammals associated with reedbeds. Otters, which require large reedbeds with a plentiful supply of fish, and deer which usually occur in reedbeds adjacent to woodland.
References
Hawke, C.J. & JosČ, P.V. (1996) Reedbed Management for Commercial & Wildlife Interests. RSPB
