From Monday 24 July 2006, large diggers have been removing soil to create the new habitat. Between July and September 2006 more than 50,000 cubic metres of soil will be removed from a dry area, down to the water table, creating a network of deep channels and shallow areas. The soil will be used to create about 50 new islands in an adjacent flooded gravel pit.
As well as the above species, this work will also benefit endangered wetland species such as the marsh harriers, medicinal leech, and lesser water plantain.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a site in East Sussex of international importance for its wetland wildlife. This has resulted from 36 years of good management by East Sussex County Council, including several major projects.
This work is part of a project funded by English Nature through Defra’s Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund or ALSF. It is the second phase of wetland creation started in 2003 as part of a national project called "Reedbeds for Bitterns” which was part funded by EU LIFE-Nature and co-ordinated by RSPB.
Funding for this project is also from Sussex Wildlife Trust, Sussex Ornithological Society and the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. The contract is being managed by East Sussex County Council.
Notes to editors
Rye Harbour nature reserve has been named as one of the top ten sites for bird watching in the UK. It was number nine in a list of top twenty bird reserves published in twitcher favourite – ‘Bird Watching’ magazine.
For more information on Rye Harbour Nature Reserve go to the Wild Rye website.
For further information and photos of the type of work, habitat and species involved please contact Dr Barry Yates, Manager of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve on 01797 223862 or e-mail yates@clara.net
The Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF)
The Aggregates Levy is a tax on the production of sand, gravel and crushed rock. Part of the money raised goes to the Sustainability Fund which aims to address the environmental and social cost of aggregate extraction
English Nature is one of a number of organisations selected by Defra to award Sustainability Fund Grants for projects which reduce the effects of aggregate extraction. English Nature’s ALSF grants specifically target biodiversity, geological conservation, and education and local community issues.
Further information about English Nature’s Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund Grants Scheme can be found on the Natural England website. The ALSF grants team can be contacted on 01476 584 821
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