Volunteers Out In The Reeds!
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve is well
known for its migrating birds and wildlife. Recently you may have been
lucky enough to catch a glimpse of something a bit unusual in the reedbeds
of the reserve.
The Kentish Stour Countryside Project's
volunteers were out in the reeds cutting and clearing willow scrub. This
is a vital job that helps to maintain the fragile habitat of the reedbed,
that so many species rely on. If left without management areas of the
reedbed would become scrubby and overgrown, eventually drying up with
increasing numbers of trees. Trees will naturally take over reed beds,
willow trees particularily like the damp conditions.
The volunteers, led by Countryside Officer
Matt Hayes, spent the day cutting and burning the scrub with the Site
Warden Dave Feast. Matt Hayes said "reedbeds are a facinating
habitat, which need management in order to maintain them. The volunteers
get a lot of satisfaction from tasks like this, as you can really see you
have made a difference at the end of the day."
The Kentish Stour Countryside Project run
regular volunteer days every Thursday in the Canterbury area. If you would
like to get involved or for more information please contact
us.
