A bittern (Botaurus stellaris) flying low over open water.
Image: Tim Stenton
Bogs & Bittern
Wetland Restoration for Species Survival
The Bogs & Bittern project
Our Bogs & Bittern project delivered capital and engagement activities at seven sites in the Avalon Marshes across a 36 square mile area between Westhay village and Glastonbury. The primary aim was to create and restore 50 ha of wetland habitats, establishing good quality stepping stone corridor sites to improve abundance for multiple species and to balance local hydrology to mitigate a changing climate.
The project delivered capital works such as:
- 41ha of lowland wetland restoration/enhancement through construction of wetland features including installation and repair of culverts, installation of an eel pass, sheet piling of bunds, sward, reedbed and ditch management.
- Creation of a hay meadow and wet grassland across a 13ha site.
- Managing a community grant scheme to enable private landowners to deliver small scale capital interventions on Local Wildlife sites (LWS).
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Installation of bi-acoustic sensors and remote cameras at four sites.
The project also delivered activity works including:
- Establishment of a volunteer group associated with the project, including running practical training courses to upskill them.
- Running an activity programme at Brides Fields targeted at young people.
- Running an events, walks and talks programme across the project area.
- Delivering an activity programme focusing on theme of co-existence and climate adaptation.
The 2-year project was funded by the Government's Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies and delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
A highlight was working with the local Friends of Brides Mound group, where we ran nature activities on their site at Brides Fields, Glastonbury. With the aim of wet grassland and meadow creation, local volunteers supported Brides Fields through yellow rattle spreading, constructing a leaky dam, tree planting, and much more!Species Survival Fund Project Coordinator at Somerset Wildlife Trust
Reed beds and view towards Glastonbury Tor - Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Habitats
The project supported restoration and enhancement across a mosaic of seven broad habitat types, including freshwater open water, reedbed, carr, bog, damp heath, fen and wet grassland.
Image: Neil Aldridge
Species
The project involved various bird and plant species, including Bittern and Great White Egrets. Local Wildlife Site surveys in the project area contributed 4,806 species records.
Project team
The project was managed by Finlay Clothier, Species Survival Fund Project Coordinator, and Andrew Robinson, Species Survival Fund LWS Ecologist.
A traineeship was also provided by the project, which Sam Martin filled the role, titled as the Species Survival Fund Land Management Trainee. The Project Lead was the Head of Nature Recovery, Simon Clarke.
Finlay Clothier
Bringing together his leadership and environmental experience, Finlay worked as the Project Coordinator of the Bogs & Bittern project. Originally joining the trust to work in Climate Adaptation across Somerset communities, he brings his enthusiasm to support the Glastonbury community, as well as the surrounding Avalon marshes area. This includes supporting the community-led wilding activities at Brides Fields with Glastonbury Town Deal match funding.
Contact by email finlay.clothier@somersetwildife.org
Andrew Robinson
Andrew is a very experienced ecologist who has worked in both public and private sectors and has a particular interest in grassland habitats. He has run courses to help volunteers improve their botanical skills. He also works with a variety of voluntary groups to record valuable scientific data and to enjoy the wider countryside. He was the Local Wildlife Sites Ecologist for the Bogs & Bittern project.
