CHELMARSH

The Trust is not well represented when it comes to nature reserves in the south-east of the county, and Chelmarsh Reservoir is the only reserve on the long journey from Telford to Cramer Gutter. It is not that easy to find either, and it is the very last reserve to be featured in the Trust's Reserves Guide. So you may think it has not got a lot going for it, and you would be wrong. Warden Dave Fulton explains how habitat changes can affect bird life.

Almost 30 years ago, before it was acquired by the Trust, the reserve consisted of a wetland area of 80% willow herb, and 20% marsh grasses. The main breeding birds at that time were Willow Warblers, Whitethroat, Blackcap, and Reed Bunting with a handful of Common Snipe, and the odd special attraction, Grasshopper Warbler.

In 1978 a small group of birdwatchers, which included a couple of BTO ringers, were given permission by the Water Authority, to catch and ring birds on the site. These ringing studies have continued to the present day, thus enabling changes in bird populations to be assessed as gradual habitat changes have been made.

The first important change was the planting of just 100 Phragmites reed roots in 1979, transported from another Shropshire site, Allscott. The reed was slow to become established, but by 1983 a small reed bed was formed. The growth and spread were very slow, due to the competition from the well-established willow herb. We have since found that growth is much more rapid if the immediate area is kept clear of other vegetation.

In 1988, the first pair of Reed Warblers bred on the reserve. These have continued to increase with the growth in the size of the reed bed, which currently is about 2.5 hectares. In 2004, 25 nesting pairs were recorded. One other bonus for the birds provided by the reed bed is as a warm roosting place in the winter months for Reed Bunting, Wagtails, Starlings, and, occasionally, Linnets and Redpoll.

In 1987, the SWT became involved, and another major habitat change was introduced, the Scrape. The Scrape is an area of about 1 hectare on which the water level can be controlled. In summer and winter, the area is flooded and becomes a haven for ducks, swans and geese. In the spring and autumn, at times to coincide with the migration of wading birds, the water level is dropped to expose the muddy base, now rich in invertebrates, which provides important nourishment for a varied number of wading species. Dunlin, Ringed plover, Common and Green Sandpiper, Greenshank and Little Stint are some of the passing waders which have been ringed.

In 2000, prompted by requests from the ringers, who saw Little Ringed Plovers passing through each spring on their search for suitable breeding grounds, the Trust provided 8 tonnes of gravel, which was used to cover one of the islands in the Scrape. This was all the LRPs had been waiting for, and they attempted to breed the same year, eventually achieving success in 2002. They have been breeding each year since.

Another enhancement is a Sand Martin 'Hotel'. It is yet to tempt any residents, but it has been re-sited and camouflaged in the hope of success in 2005.

In conclusion, Chelmarsh is a good example of a reserve where ongoing habitat changes, brought about by the work of the volunteers, the Trust and SSWA, has benefited many species of birds, and proves that species can be encouraged to stay if only we can get it right!