About Magazine Issue 11

Reedbeds to Benefit from Cash

One of the most unique habitats in the town is going to benefit from a cash injection. Filsham Reedbed is owned by Hastings Borough Council and managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust. The reedbed was declared a Local Nature Reserve in 1982. It is sited in Coombe Haven Valley and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, flora and fauna. The five year scheme, dubbed the ‘Filsham Bittern Project’, has been funded by Biffaward, with contributions from Hastings Borough Council, Southern Water, The Environment Agency and Sussex Ornithological Society.

Sussex Wildlife Trust will be working to restore the existing reedbed which has deteriorated, threatening the future of a number of rare species of animals and birds. Structures of the reedbed will be improved to help increase breeding rates and increasing its value as a habitat for wildlife.

The aims of the project will be to:

• Reverse the decline of the reedbed habitat within the Coombe Haven Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• Improve the habitat structure of the reedbed
• Provide an example of best practice for Local Nature Reserve management
• Consolidate current status of rare, indigenous breeding birds
• Provide an opportunity to reinstate the Bittern as a breeding bird in Sussex
• Provide an opportunity for public enjoyment and education for visitors and residents

Sussex Wildlife Trust hopes that bitterns - a brown heron will once again start using the reedbeds when the project is complete. There are only 20 breeding pairs in the UK now, although bitterns do visit Filsham during the winter. In 1999 a male did his best to attract a female - but was unsuccessful.

Councillor Trevor Webb, Cabinet Member responsible for Quality of Life, said: "This is a really exciting project. Public access is currently restricted to one small area adjacent to Reedswood Road. There are no suitable paths or other facilities for residents and visitors to experience the wildlife present on the site. Reedbeds are in decline throughout Britain and Europe, together with the unique variety of plants and wildlife associated with them. The Filsham Bittern Project will mean that we can improve this important site in the town for everyone to enjoy."

Sarah Hince. Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: "We are thrilled that this project has been made possible through the generosity of Biffa and our other partners. The £135,000 we will be spending on this important project is the most we have ever spent on any single reserve. In three years time will have good access to enjoy wildlife in a wonderful reserve on their doorstep."

Back to top of page...

< Four Choices: One Future | America Mural Ground >