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For
Immediate Release
20 April 2007
FIRE
DEVASTATES REED BED AT BRANDON MARSH SSSI
Warwickshire Wildlife
Trust is appalled to report that youths set fire to part of
Warwickshire’s largest reed bed at Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve and Site
of Special Scientific Interest on Sunday 15th April.
Over 3 hectares, more than a third of the entire reed bed, have
been burnt to the ground devastating this nationally important habitat.
It took at least three fire engines to put out the fire.
Reed beds are not common or extensive in Warwickshire and few are large in
number which is why this particular reed bed is so important.
The larger the reed bed the better the chance for species such as
bittern to breed.
The
UK
and Local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) identifies reed beds as a key
habitat and targets the protection and positive management of existing
reed beds. Warwickshire
Wildlife Trust manages Brandon Marsh SSSI with this in mind.
For further information on LBAPs please refer to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/biodiversity
Sophie Leszczynska
, Conservation Manager at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
said, “This could not happen at a worse time of year as birds, such as reed
bunting and reed warbler, are just starting to build their nests.
Many plants, insects and
small mammals such as mice and voles will have perished in the fire.
This mindless act of vandalism has not considered the wider
implications to some of the county’s best wildlife habitat.”
Sophie Leszczynska
added, “If you
are interested in reed beds and other wildlife habitats then why not join
the Brandon Marsh Voluntary Conservation Team on one of their conservation
activities. Please contact Ian
Jelley on 024 7630 8998 or e-mail ian.jelley@wkwt.org.uk
for more information on volunteering opportunities.
Alternatively you could find
out more about wildlife on one of our introductory events. To get your
free copy of our leaflet
“Wild Events and Activities” please contact the Trust on 024 7630
8999, drop into the Trust’s Visitor Centres at Brandon Marsh Nature
Centre and Parkridge Centre in Brueton Park, Solihull, pick up a leaflet
in your local library or visit our website on
www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk”.
ENDS
Press
Contact:
Sophie Leszczynska,
Conservation Manager, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust – 024 7630 8979
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