Conservation. Wetland habitats such as reedbeds and other areas with fen vegetation in Barnsley are valuable for an range of wildlife species of conservation importance. They need to be managed, extended and connected. They are a priority for conservation.

Factors causing loss or decline of wetland habitats

• Drying out, scrub encroachment, and succession to woodland.
• Reed may invade and smother mixed fen, marsh or wet grassland which have their own value for biodiversity.
• Lack of, or inappropriate, management.
• Water abstraction and drainage, and intensive agriculture.
• Siltation, pollution and nutrient enrichment.

Good practice in management of wetland habitats

• Keep water levels of reedbeds, swamps, mires and marshes at reasonably stable and appropriate seasonal levels.  
• Scrub encroachment should be discouraged but scrub should be retained in some small areas.  
• Maintain links with other wetland and non-wetland habitats.
• Flower-rich areas should be encouraged to provide pollen and nectar sources for adult insects.
• Storing cut reeds etc on-site should be avoided since it can cause nutrient enrichment, decreased plant diversity, and water quality.

Regular management helps reedbed habitat.

• Positive management requires winter cutting of reeds in rotation;
  [Cutting reed in different areas in a 4 - 7 year rotation prevents build-up of nutrients and dead plant material; and encourages new growth].
• Areas of open water, pools and channels, should be kept in reedbeds.
• Removal of litter prevents or slows drying out of reed bed.
• However some areas where reed is not cut regularly should be also be left and allowed to form a deep litter layer. It is important to have some areas of litter that will be kept moist and not dry out completely.
• Sloping edges at the edge of reedbeds support wildlife during both summer drawn-down and at times of unusually high water levels.

Status

Conservation action across the country since the 1990s has been successful in restoring and creating large areas of reedbed. The work in the Dearne Valley is a significant contribution.

Legal protection.

In Barnsley some sites are given legal protection by being in Local Nature Reserves.

In 2021 Dearne Valley Wetlands weree designated as a SSSI with the statutory protection this provides.

Other sites in Barnsley are in areas designated as Local Wildlife Sites for which there is a presumption against development or change of use that would have an adverse effect on their conservation value when planning consent is required.

Specific wildlife species of reedbeds and other wetland habitats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act including intentionally or recklessly disturbing birds at, on or near an ‘active’ nest.

Defra Ecological Impact Assessments apply to reedbeds.

Links:

RSPB: Bringing reedbeds to life

Buglife: Managing reedbeds

Scot NH Fen Management handbook

Reedbed and Fen Conservation