Credit: Charlie Oliver
Wetland for waders
Where's the water gone?
Previously, as this photograph below demonstrates, vast areas of the landscape at Blue House Farm nature reserve would dry up when spring and summer arrive. Now, shallow-profiled scrapes and the removal of agricultural drains allows water to remain on this site for longer. With generous funding from Biffa Award, Blue House Farm's grassland is now a haven for wildlife.
With warmer weather in spring and summer, the land begins to dry.
Photo of the wetland project are retaining water in April.
A benefit to wildlife
Thousands of birds that call Blue House Farm their home, or visit here for periods of the year, will be able to thrive in the extended wetland. The project is already delivering greater breeding opportunities for threatened species like redshank and lapwing. The wetland provides habitat connectivity and ensures climate change resilience through water storage, soil health and carbon sequestration. Not only will this have huge positive impacts for wildlife, but the public will be able to enjoy the wildlife that thrives here.
Lapwing - Gill Day
Redshank - Peter Cairns/2020VISION
Flock of brent geese - Chris Gomersall/2020VISION
Emperor dragonfly - Mike Snelle
Watervole - Amy Lewis
Project completion
In the spring of 2023, this wetland project was completed. Check out the video below to see how this site was transformed.
James Astley, Grants and Trust Officer at Essex Wildlife Trust, says:
“Blue House Farm is a sanctuary for birds and bird-lovers alike. The views of the estuary and the sea of green fields already make this one of the best wild coastal landscapes in Essex, attracting wildlife and public visitors from afar. This latest project has elevated the landscape at Blue House Farm nature reserve, in consideration of our most threatened bird species. We would like to thank Biffa Award for their generous funding. Without them, this essential work to provide a better habitat for our resident and migratory birds wouldn’t be possible.”
Rachel Maidment, Biffa Award Grants Manager, says:
“Biffa Award is delighted to be able to support Essex Wildlife Trust awarding a grant of £263,874 to create this valuable wetland haven of over 40 hectares for a variety of important species. It is paramount that we continue to invest in projects like this through our Partnership Grants Scheme which play a significant part in promoting nature’s recovery. We can’t wait to see more birds using the site and flourishing following completion of the work.”
