Reed Cutting for Cranes

In preparation for possible crane breeding next year we have been mapping the reed-beds and cutting reed in secluded spots to provide adult cranes suitable nesting sites.
The water must be between 20-30cm deep in March when they are selecting their nesting sites and cut areas must  large enough for them to land; at least 10m by 20m across!

The cut reed has been raked and piled around the edges of the cut areas to avoid litter build up in the nesting areas, although in several cases adult cranes have used ready cut reed to build their nests rather than cutting their own!