Although reedbeds are naturally scarce, there are many
animal species which are wholly dependent upon this habitat.
In London these include reed warbler, water rail, and the
fen wainscot moth. At least five other species of moth in
London are dependent upon reed as a larval foodplant.
The major threats to reedbeds are drainage and
lowering of water tables; lack of, or inappropriate management;
and loss to development. Succession is not usually a problem
associated with tidal reedbeds in the Thames, as regular
inundation with brackish water usually prevents the establishment
of scrub. One of the main threats to tidal reedbeds is dredging
of the main river channel nearby, which may result in the
erosion of the accumulated silt upon which the reedbed is
established.
The scope for the restoration of reedbeds in London is
perhaps limited considering the lack of extensive areas
of undeveloped riverside or semi-natural lakeside. However,
there are considerable opportunities for the creation of
reedbeds as part of flood defence and river enhancement
schemes and gravel pit restoration. Furthermore, as the
amount of dredging required on the Thames declines or is
better targeted as a result of fewer movements of large
ships, there are possibilities for re-establishing tidal
reedbeds on exposed mud-banks at the rivers edge.
Further opportunities arise as a result of the ability
of reedbeds to attenuate storm-water run-off and remove
certain pollutants. There is a growing interest in incorporating
constructed reedbeds into surface water and grey water drainage
systems for this purpose. These could result in the creation
of relatively large reedbeds, which may provide valuable
wildlife habitat.
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