The RSPB nature reserve at Vange Marsh has recently seen a few changes and the wonderful site that attracts a wide variety of wildlife has been improved for breeding birds.
The islands on the saline lagoon habitat have been re-shaped and topped with cockleshells. These cockleshells are a by-product of the sustainable cockling industry at nearby Leigh-on-sea. The RSPB feels that in using the material from Leigh-on-sea, they are reducing haulage distance, therefore having less of an impact on the environment.
Added to this, the shells provide an excellent nesting area for many types of birds including Avocets. The islands have also been re-shaped so that there is a greater amount of muddy edge around the islands for birds to feed.
Excavator machines started the work at the end of March, taking two weeks to finish the work. The islands where covered in a geo-textile membrane then topped with shells. Capping the islands in this way will help stop vegetation growth allowing the birds to have clear sight lines enabling them to avoid predation.
Marc Outten, the RSPB South Essex Marshes Warden explains, ‘the work is essential for a wide variety of breeding birds, some of which are scarce in the area. This recently completed habitat will compliment the wide range of habitats already on the reserve allowing many species to move between different areas of the site to feed and seek refuge’.
The islands on the saline lagoon habitat have been re-shaped and topped with cockleshells. These cockleshells are a by-product of the sustainable cockling industry at nearby Leigh-on-sea. The RSPB feels that in using the material from Leigh-on-sea, they are reducing haulage distance, therefore having less of an impact on the environment.
Added to this, the shells provide an excellent nesting area for many types of birds including Avocets. The islands have also been re-shaped so that there is a greater amount of muddy edge around the islands for birds to feed.
Excavator machines started the work at the end of March, taking two weeks to finish the work. The islands where covered in a geo-textile membrane then topped with shells. Capping the islands in this way will help stop vegetation growth allowing the birds to have clear sight lines enabling them to avoid predation.
Marc Outten, the RSPB South Essex Marshes Warden explains, ‘the work is essential for a wide variety of breeding birds, some of which are scarce in the area. This recently completed habitat will compliment the wide range of habitats already on the reserve allowing many species to move between different areas of the site to feed and seek refuge’.
The RSPB organises guided walks on Vange Marsh on the first Saturday of each month. So if you would like to discover more about the RSPB’s work on the reserve and have a chance to see the birds that live there, contact the RSPB South Essex Marshes office on 01268 559158.
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