15 February 2006

Swedish technology will soon be coming to RSPB Strumpshaw Fen nature reserve in the Norfolk Broads as part of a plan to improve habitats for bitterns.

The Truxor amphibious harvester is a tank-like machine that cuts and gathers excess vegetation along water channels and the fringes of reedbeds. By opening up waterways and reducing build up of silt, the machine will create habitats for fish at the edge of the reedbeds, which in turn provide feeding areas for bitterns.

The machine was developed in Sweden and there is only one of its kind available for hire in the UK. It’s already been used successfully at the RSPB’s Minsmere nature reserve in Suffolk.

Truxor at Minsmere

Strumpshaw Fen site manager, Tim Strudwick, says: “To raise their chicks successfully, bitterns need access to good food supplies. We are improving the edges of the existing reedbed area – the bittern’s favoured feeding area – and increasing fish movement around the site so that there will be plenty of food available for breeding bitterns and their young.”

The project has received a contribution of £2,600 as part of a much larger grant of £25,000 from SITA Trust, through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, and has also received funding from English Nature. The work of the machine will complement the winter reedcutting carried out every year by RSPB staff and volunteers to improve habitat for bitterns and other wildlife.

Bitterns are one of the UK’s rarest breeding birds and are renowned for the booming call of the male. There was one booming bittern at Strumpshaw Fen in 2005. The shy, heron-like birds live in reedbeds and feed on fish from within the reedbed or at the reeds' edge. After experiencing a national decline from 80 booming males in 1954 to a low of 11 in 1997, bitterns are now making a comeback. Following intensive research and habitat improvements by the RSPB, the number of booming bitterns increased to 46 booming males in 2005. It is hoped that the work of the Truxor machine will give a further boost to booming bitterns in the Broads.

ends

Further information
Jennifer Toms tel 01603 715191, 07738 029834 (mobile)
The Truxor amphibious harvester will be carrying out work at Strumpshaw Fen between 20 and 23 February. Photographs will be available from Jennifer Toms on 01603 715191 jennifer.toms@rspb.org.uk

Notes for editors

Strumpshaw Fen is part of the 800 hectare Mid Yare nature reserves, which lie in the floodplain of the River Yare and stretch along nine miles of riverbank from Surlingham to Cantley. The reserves include Strumpshaw Fen, Buckenham Marshes, Cantley Marshes, Surlingham Broad and Rockland Broad. The Mid Yare nature reserves have around 30,000 visitors annually, mostly to Strumpshaw Fen. More than 100 volunteers contribute some 5,000 hours a year to the management of the reserves, including habitat management, visitor reception, events and wildlife surveys.
The RSPB has hired the Truxor amphibious harvester from Aquaclear Water Management, a company that specialises in the mechanical removal of aquatic vegetation: 01646 641560, www.aquaclearwatermanagement.co.uk

Jennifer Toms
People Engagement Officer (Broads)

Mid Yare Reserve
Staithe Cottage
Low Road
Strumpshaw
Norwich NR13 4HS

Tel: 01603 715191
Mob: 07738 029834

The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all.

www.rspb.org.uk