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14 September 2005 Volunteers help wildlife find a new home in the Royal Parks All Parks 
The Royal Parks are helping to restore natural habitats for wildlife in and around London by creating new reedbeds and the latest will be in St James's Park. Volunteers from Reed Elsevier (UK ) Ltd, supporters of the project, helped plant on the banks of the Lake.Reedbeeds are areas of shallow water that are inhabited by the UK's largest native grass, the common reed. They are natural habitats that support a rich mix of plants as well as providing shelter, nest sites and food for a huge variety of wildlife, including some species which are rare in the UK such as the bittern, one of Europe's rarest and most threatened birds. The reedbed project was developed as a joint initiative between The Royal Parks and the London Biodiversity Partnership (LPB). Areas of reedbed were once widespread in London but over the years many have been destroyed by land drainage, pollution, urban development and excessive extraction of water. Dr Nigel Reeve, Community Ecologist for The Royal Parks says, "We have already established a number of small reedbeds around the sides of the St James's Lake - we have never seen the water clearer and wildlife is moving in. We are seeking to build on this success and create a much larger reedbed to enhance both the historic Nash landscape and the ecological quality of the Lake." This project was made possible thanks to the generosity of Reed Elsevier (UK) Ltd, who have given £24,000 towards the creation of the new reedbed as well as providing important volunteer effort. Mark Gough, Environmental Coordinator for Reed Elsevier said, " We are proud to be involved in this important biodiversity project. As the new reedbed can be found in the middle of London, it not only creates a significant habitat for wildlife, but also provides our employees, visitors to London, local residents and school children with a special place to enjoy the benefits of nature. " The water quality is improved by reedbeds and they help prevent erosion at water's edges as the roots are very good at absorbing pollutants such as excess phosphates, nitrates and heavy metals. They are often used as natural filter systems to help clean up polluted waters. It takes several years for a reedbed to fully establish after which it requires regular management and maintenance. The newly created reedbed will become a useful education resource, a public showcase for the value of this type of habitat and something of great beauty for all to enjoy. Source: The Royal Parks For further information contact: The Royal Parks Press Office T: 020 7298 2145 M: 07880 850 411 bbocson@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk Editor's notes: Reedbeds and plants: The Reedbed in St James's Park will contain a mixture of attractive plant species aimed at improving the visual appearance of the area, especially whilst it is first being established. This can sometimes involve some thorough cutting back of the reeds to prevent them from becoming too dominant. There are currently reedbeds located in Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park and St James's Park with plans to plant at Bushy Park and Hyde Park over the coming years. Wildlife: Many different species of birds, mammals and invertebrates are dependent on the dense cover provided by the reedbeds. Kingfishers, bearded tit, reed warblers and sedge warblers are amongst the many birds that can be found in and around. The bittern, one of Europe's rarest and most threatened birds, has not been recorded in the central Royal Parks but is becoming a regular visitor to several of London's reedbed's during the winter months. The Ruddy Darter dragonfly can be seen weaving in and out of the bulrushes around London alongside more gently paced moths such as the twin spotted wainscot and the small rufous. Great crested newts, water voles and harvest mice are also frequently spotted. We also expect the fish and invertebrate population to increase as reeds are excellent fish spawning grounds. Biodiversity: is the variety of life - all animals and plants and the places where they live. The term comes from the 1992 Rio Convention on Biological Diversity. The idea of Biodiversity Action Plans arise from this convention, to which the UK signed up along with some 150 nations . The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks are a key partner in the London Biodiversity Partnership (LBP) and also the Wildlife for All programme, a joint partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The Royal Parks are also active in the Biodiversity Action Plan of Westminster City Council. Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of carefully conserved historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital. The Royal Parks are Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park. For further information visit www.royalparks.org.uk London Biodiversity Partnership: The London Biodiversity Partnership is a group of public, private and voluntary organisations who aim to conserve the capital's wildlife and natural places for future generations to benefit and enjoy: Members include: Association of London Government, British Waterways Ltd, BTCV, English Nature, Greater London Authority, London Boroughs, London Underground Ltd, London Wildlife Trust, The Royal Parks, RSPB, Thames Water and Wildfowl and Wetland Trust. For more information about the London Biodiversity Partnership and their Habitat Action Plan for reedbeds visit www.lpb.org.uk Reed Elsevier (UK) Ltd: We are grateful for the generous support that we have received from Reed Elsevier which has enabled us to undertake this project. As one of the world's larges media companies, they are dedicated in to playing a positive role in its local and global communities, primarily through employee involvement www.reed-elsevier.com |
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