A visit to RSPB Blacktoft Sands to look at reed bed managment

On Friday 2nd of November Robin and three of the committee went the RSPB reserve at Blacktoft Sands to look and learn how they manage their reed beds. A big thanks to Pete and Mike from the RSPB who shared with us their experience and knowledge of how reed beds need to be managed.

The reason for this is the pressing need we have to manage and develop the reed bed in the Lagoon area. Having spent some time at Blacktoft we came away with a clearer understanding of the task we have in front of us and how we need to proceed.

As a committee we are under no illusions of the huge challenge that managing the reed bed involves. It will need to be done during the winter months before the breeding birds return. This means we will need all the help we can get from members and others who have an interest in the ongoing development of Cromwell Bottom as a local nature reserve.

In the (hopefully not to distant) future we would also like to take measurements and samples of the depth and quality of the water and do some analyse.

If anyone can help in any way please contact Graham or any of the committee members.

Allan.