Transformed: Three years from gravel pit to thriving nature reserve

£55,000 grant has turned gravel quarry into reed-bed haven

November 2011: A barren landscape which was subjected to more than 20 years of gravel extraction has been transformed into a haven for wetland wildlife in just three years, thanks to the hard work and determination of the Cotswold Water Park Trust.

THRIVING: The former gravel pit has been transformed

In 2008, a grant of £55,000 through SITA Trust's Enriching Nature Programme made it possible to create a large reedbed at Cleveland Lakes on land restored after gravel extraction.

A total of 33,000 reeds were planted by hand into the rough ground, taking volunteers and staff many hundreds of hours. In addition 6,000 metres of temporary fencing was installed to protect the young reed plants from grazing by ducks, swans, geese, rabbits, deer and even slugs.

121 different species have been identified
The result of this concerted planting has been truly amazing, with the coverage of reed increasing from just 120 square metres in 2008 to almost 12,000 in 2011, a hundred-fold increase. To ensure invasive species such as willow and reedmace did not encroach and suffocate the reeds, staff have constantly monitored and managed the young reedbed for the past three years.

Wildlife
Wildlife surveys conducted during the summer this year have revealed an incredible increase in the variety and numbers of wildlife down amongst the reeds. Five species of water bird are now confirmed to be breeding there - and, in total, 121 individual animal and plant species have been identified and recorded in the reedbed area. It is a great result for wildlife and proof that it is possible to create something from nothing.

'This used to look like a battlefield'
Managing director of the Cotswold Water Park Trust Matthew Millett said: ‘In 2008 Cleveland Lakes was anything but a pretty sight, resembling a battlefield. The funding from SITA Trust and the efforts of our volunteers and staff enabled us to transform this inhospitable landscape into a thriving nature reserve. It is a place that I hope will not only be of ever-increasing importance for its wildlife but also valued by the people who visit.'

There is easy public access to the reedbed, with a wonderful artist-designed bird hide, known as the Reed Hide overlooking the site.