Conservation of reed beds and their avifauna in England and Wales

Abstract

Large mono-dominant stands of Phragmites australis harbour several rare birds in Britain, and their future is threatened both by man's activities and hydroseral processes. A survey in 1979 and 1980 aimed to locate, map and catalogue details of all reed beds in excess of 2 ha in England and Wales. 109 sites were found and their major features, causes of origin and conservation status are outlined. The distribution and habitat requirements of five rare and characteristic breeding birds (bittern, marsh barrier, bearded tit, Savi's warbler and Cetti's warbler) are considered, and other ornithological features outlined. In discussion, the loss of commercial beds and the recent origin of most present day sites is emphasised. A satisfactory number receive some protection as nature reserves, but the scale and cost of the management to improve or merely to maintain them may not yet be fully appreciated. Management should, however, be able to sustain or enlarge populations of birds typically associated with this habitat and there is little reason why new reed beds should not be created.