In 1995 Anglian
Water and the Suffolk Wildlife Trust worked in partnership
on a range of wildlife initiatives contained within a
5 –year management plan. One of the biggest habitat
creation schemes within the plan involved the re-profiling
of the draw down zone in a section of the reservoir that
showed the most promise in attracting waders and wildfowl.
It was important to provide a range of features attractive
to birds at varying water levels, as it was impractical
to incorporate an effective water level control system.
Islands, pools and ditches provided a safe sanctuary where
disturbance and predation could be kept to a minimum.
We wanted to feature a
large island that would be exposed and available for breeding
birds at all water levels. To maintain water around the
island it needed to be constructed some distance from
the shore and to a height of over 4 metres. The foundations
of old farm buildings that were present before the valley
was flooded were put to good use in providing a solid
base for the creation of the island and helped to protect
it from wave action. Finally a layer of shingle and some
larger stones were added to provide an ideal nesting area
for terns and little ringed plovers.
In an effort
to reduce disturbance from the nearby footpath a bank
was constructed along the shoreline. This was then planted
with a mix of blackthorn wild rose and hawthorn both to
control access and provide additional bird nesting areas.
A new triangular hide was commissioned that enabled visitors
to enjoy watching the birds. Later additional attractions
to the area included rafts and both a natural sand martin
cliff on the opposite side of the inlet and an artificial
cliff situated directly below the hide.
