Reedbeds action plan

Aims
1. To ensure the protection and optimal management of reedbeds in Greater London.
2. To demonstrate the value of reedbeds and to promote their creation in the urban environment.



Reedbeds are areas of shallow water dominated by a tall wetland grass called common reed Phragmites australis. The UK's largest native grass, common reed is a particularly conspicuous species, with cane-like stems that last throughout the winter. Reedbeds in London occur at the margins of all kinds of waterbodies and alongside several other habitats, including wet woodlands and willow-dominated scrub. London has some large areas of reedbed, but the majority are relatively small - many may be no greater than 10 square metres. Even these can attract some of the specialised fauna more usually associated with the fens and broads of East Anglia.

Although London's reedbeds contain few of the nationally rare and specialised plants associated with the habitat, they remain home to many of our more interesting and regionally uncommon wildlife. Secretive birds such as the water rail, reed and sedge warblers, the rapidly declining water vole, harvest mouse and a host of both drab and colourful invertebrate species are dependent on the dense cover provided by reedbeds. Relative newcomers to London's reedbeds include the enigmatic bittern and even the otter, with the former species in recent winters frequenting reeds only a few miles away from Westminster.

Contact
The Lead for this habitat is the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.
Richard Bullock
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
London Wetland Centre
Queen Elizabeth's Walk
Barnes
London SW13 9WT

Tel: 020 8409 4400
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.wwt.org.uk