The Pymore Reedbed is a county-designated SNCI priority habitat for several protected species including otters, water rail, kingfishers, reed buntings, harvest mice and water voles. Without regular habitat maintenance it would become a wet woodland to the detriment of these species.

The Pymore conservation volunteers are a small group of people committed to help protect and preserve this SNCI habitat. The Management Plan for the reedbed (written by the DWT) advises that a third of the reedbed be cut back on a bi-annual basis to preserve and enhance its wildlife value. Volunteers from the group are experienced in co-ordinating and assisting with this.

• Brush-cut and remove seeds & bulrushes
• Hand-pull and remove encroaching reeds
• Cut & remove Alder & willow growth to prevent succession
• Remove encroaching reeds and silt from a side channel used by spawning toads each Spring.

They applied for an SDF grant towards the costs of hiring a brush-cutter and contractor to cut the reeds, skip hire, chest waders and hire of scaffold boards to access the reedbed.

During a sunny week in Autumn, and to the sound of water rails calling, the reedbed was cut by an experienced brush cutter whilst the group of volunteers raked and carried seeds into skips.

Willow and alder saplings were cut back, along with overhanging branches.  Volunteers with waders removed encroaching reeds from the small pond.

Ditch clearance (used each spring by toads for spawning).

The project met all its original aims and more!

The reedbed was successfully cut back crucially safeguarding the right habitat conditions for the endangered species it protects.

• The number of volunteers exceeded expectations (18 in total)
• An additional skip had to be hired due to the higher than expected volume of cut seeds
• Reedbed debris was raked up and spread along the reedbed footpath to improve access for visitors to the area

Since the water levels have raised there have been several wildlife sightings including herons and kingfishes.

Whilst working the reedbed several volunteers heard the unique sounds of the water rails.

Advice for others thinking of undertaking a similar project:

• Ensure firms honour original quotes
• Canvas for support early using emails, word of mouth, local newsletters, notice boards and local press.