The Special Protection Area (SPA) of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits covers both Nene Wetlands & Summer Leys and provides safe wintering grounds for over 20,000 water birds. Open panoramic views are key for several key wintering species such as lapwing and golden plover who are particularly vulnerable whilst roosting and feeding.
In August 2023, lake edges around Dragonfly Lake at the Nene Wetlands underwent reprofiling works to soften the steep sided edges. Steep sided edges to the water may not seem much to us, but to a small wading bird they conceal potential dangers. Predators such as fox, American mink and even otters use this cover to stalk their prey. Re-profiling these steep edges to create a gentler gradient between the lake and the adjacent grasslands allows these birds a wide panoramic view which helps them feel safe. This gradient also provides the perfect depths for increased feeding opportunities.
Fantastically, survey data from Wetland Bird Surveys (WeBS), which is conducted once a month from September to March, has shown a dramatic increase of lapwing using the area. Their numbers have increased from an average of 70 birds per survey to 209, an increase of 265%! It's great when the benefits of reserves work are expressed in survey data so conclusively.
As spring arrives, many different species of wader pass through the Nene Valley on migration to their breeding grounds. Look out for species such as black-tailed godwit, dunlin or ruff as they visit this newly made service station to fuel their onward journey.
This work follows on from previous reprofiling at Summer Leys. Here, the islands were reprofiled to sit below high water levels in winter and re-emerge as suitable nesting sites in spring. The edges of the islands were also softened to create shallow water for feeding. Here we have seen the comeback of a species that for years had little presence on the reserve. Between 2016 and 2022 golden plover were picked up on 15% of surveys. Since the reprofiling that number has increased to 42%. The fact that these birds are using the site more often is evidence that the habitat is becoming more suitable for them. More information on the importance of wetland management for breeding waders can be found here.
With such fantastic results, more reprofiling works are planned for areas across both sites which will hopefully bring even more of this charismatic group of birds to the reserve.
