Kingfishers Bridge is a 'wildlife first' conservancy, meaning that all of our resources are targeted towards benefiting wildlife species and the habitats they each rely upon. We are constantly evaluating conservation practices and our own innovations in order to optimise and maximise the efficiency of our habitat creation work. The measure of our success is in the wildlife outcomes.
The reed bed is a prime example of this approach, right from the time of its creation. When the reed bed was established common practice was to plant 'plugs' (small individual plants grown in bulk and planted by hand to form a reed bed). Kingfishers Bridge challenged this and, using new research into reed germination factors, treated the reed seed accordingly; the treated seed was therefore scattered on the surface of the water bodies in the bare reed bed as would happen naturally. Despite our attempted protection of the reeds from wildfowl, the germinated seedlings were immediately grazed but, contrary to our expectation, this in fact resulted in further spread of the reed! Within a few years the reed bed had covered the area it does today, for a fraction of the cost of traditional conservation practice. It is through asking what can be done differently, experimenting in this way and learning from results that we can maximise the potential for wildlife.
The reed bed is a prime example of this approach, right from the time of its creation. When the reed bed was established common practice was to plant 'plugs' (small individual plants grown in bulk and planted by hand to form a reed bed). Kingfishers Bridge challenged this and, using new research into reed germination factors, treated the reed seed accordingly; the treated seed was therefore scattered on the surface of the water bodies in the bare reed bed as would happen naturally. Despite our attempted protection of the reeds from wildfowl, the germinated seedlings were immediately grazed but, contrary to our expectation, this in fact resulted in further spread of the reed! Within a few years the reed bed had covered the area it does today, for a fraction of the cost of traditional conservation practice. It is through asking what can be done differently, experimenting in this way and learning from results that we can maximise the potential for wildlife.
Today the reed bed is predominantly managed through control of water levels and grazing by water buffalo. Small pockets, however, are mown on a rotation and the cut litter cleared into mounds providing nesting sites for grass snakes and hibernacula for many invertebrates. Small areas of reed are also cleared through controlled burning which provides different soil chemistry. Colonising plant species take advantage of these until the reed regenerates.
Continuing the policy of being a wildlife first conservancy, we are using pioneering approaches to bringing people closer to wildlife whilst minimising the negative impact and of disturbance. Through the use of our Wildlife Camera network and the use of ground breaking high definition screens our ‘living hides’ are now showing people more glimpses of unique behaviour than ever before, whilst still maintaining the sanctuary reserve objective.
Today the reed bed is predominantly managed through control of water levels and grazing by water buffalo. Small pockets, however, are mown on a rotation and the cut litter cleared into mounds providing nesting sites for grass snakes and hibernacula for many invertebrates. Small areas of reed are also cleared through controlled burning which provides different soil chemistry. Colonising plant species take advantage of these until the reed regenerates.
Continuing the policy of being a wildlife first conservancy, we are using pioneering approaches to bringing people closer to wildlife whilst minimising the negative impact and of disturbance. Through the use of our Wildlife Camera network and the use of ground breaking high definition screens our ‘living hides’ are now showing people more glimpses of unique behaviour than ever before, whilst still maintaining the sanctuary reserve objective.
Happy workers erecting one of our hides
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Bat hibernaculum within the natural Lime bedrock
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Underground pipes for Shelducks
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The view of our wader meadow and Lake from the bird hides
The Kingfishers Bridge Wetland Creation Trust Registered Charity No. 1078882
