Brading Marshes
nature reserve is the only
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reserve on the
Isle of Wight,
England. Situated on the east coast of the Island, behind
Bembridge Harbour, it was acquired in 2001 and is a mix of
lagoons and ditches,
reed bed
A reedbed or reed bed is a natural habitat found in floodplains, waterlogged depressions and
estuaries. Reedbeds are part of a succession from young reeds colonising open water or wet ground through a gradation of increasingly dry ground. As ...
s and
meadows, with a fringe of
ancient woodland. This marsh is the site of a wetland restoration project by the RSPB.
Biodiversity Action Plan for the Isle of Wight January 2003 Isle of Wight Biodiversity Action Plan: Wetlands Habitat Action Plan
Biodiversity Action Plan for the Isle of Wight, January 2003.
The land was reclaimed from the sea for agricultural use at the end of the 19th century. Today, grazing, haymaking and cutting rough vegetation encourage flowers and wetland birds.
In spring and summer, lapwing, grey heron, tufted duck and shelduck can be seen. Marsh harrier and peregrines can also be seen. During autumn and winter migrating wading birds pass through, joining ducks, geese and wading birds feeding in the pools. The reserve is also home to many insects, plants and other animals.
Th
reserve
is open all year round and free to visit.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:RSPB Brading Marshes
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserves in England
Nature reserves on the Isle of Wight
Protected areas established in 2001