Reed-cutting at Titchwell improves habitat
MACHINERY has taken over from manpower in the reed beds at the RSPB nature reserve at Titchwell Marsh.
The North Norfolk Reed Cutters' Association has moved in over the last few weeks and has been cutting and baling sections of the reed beds with its Olympia machine.
It is a job that is carried out every five years and is a vital way of encouraging rare birds to breed at the marsh.
Titchwell warden, Paul Eele, explained: "Before we employed the North Norfolk team, we used to have to cut the reed by hand, which was time consuming and really hard work. Using the Olympia means it takes half the time and manpower."
Mark Randell, of the Reed Cutters' Association, said: "We have been reed-cutting across the Norfolk coastline for many years. The Olympia allows us to help organisations such as the RSPB to manage their nature reserves for birds and wildlife.
"Plus it gives us a chance to use the machine during the winter months when commercial work is limited."
Managing the reed bed attracts rare birds such as the bittern and bearded tit to breed at the reserve. Cutting sections of the reed on a five-year cycle allows it to develop a mixed age structure. A mosaic of old and young reeds is ideal for the birds.
Mr Eele said: "Last year our reedbed was home to six breeding bearded tits and one booming bittern and we hope this year brings us even more success."
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
