New nature reserve set for Aylesbury wetland
Thames Water have announced work is set to being in Spring
Thames Water has announced a new nature reserve is set for Buckinghamshire.
Thames Water have announced that land next to Aylesbury sewage works is set to be turned into a new nature reserve.
Its been announced as part of World Wetlands Day, with the plan to improve natural habitats across the operational sites.
The work is set to begin in Spring and is expected to take four to five weeks.
The site which borders the River Thame it 20,000 metre-squared and will be developed into areas of permanent standing water and will encourage waders such as Snipe, Little Egret and Green Sandpiper as well as help store carbon.
Homes for insects and small mammals will be created by raising mounds for nesting and roosting birds as well as as a large wildflower meadow.
A bird hide that was constructed on-site in 2016 is set to provide a great viewing point for birdwatchers.
The new wetlands were designed in collaboration with a number of stakeholders, including the River Thame Conservation Trust, Environment Agency, Aylesbury Vale District Council and local birders.
Thames Water ecologist Becky Elliott, who is leading on the project, said:
“Wetlands are important networks for migrating and breeding birds and for tackling the effects of climate change. We’re excited to create a new wetland at Aylesbury, which will become a thriving habitat for wildlife.
"We care about the communities within which we all live and work, and this is a fantastic example of Thames Water working together with local partners to benefit the communities we serve and help with nature’s recovery.”
Inland wetlands such as marshes, ponds, lakes, fens, rivers, floodplains, and swamps act as vast 'carbon sinks', which store carbon and prevent it from being released back into the atmosphere.
Janet Parr, a member of the Unstead Nature Community Group (UNCG), said:
“We recognise the important role wetlands play within our environment and with support from Thames Water, we hope to transform this quiet backwater into a rich haven for invertebrates, mammals and birds, including increasing numbers of waders and waterfowl.
"We hope this essential and crucial wetland site in Godalming will provide long term value to the community, with opportunities for recreation and education plus meeting the needs and aspirations of future generations.”