News archive

Sunday, 19 April 2009

RSPB Broadwater Warren: News Update, April 2009

We are on course to complete construction of the car park in mid-May. As a first for the RSPB, the entrance gate will be opened and closed morning and night using solar power. But don't worry if you are in the car park when the gate closes because the exit will have special flow plates that will allow you to leave. We've given the information board, now in its permanent site in the car park, a roof made of traditional wooden tiles that you can shelter under while reading about the reserve and what's going on. You can also pick up a trail guide leaflet that will take you on a 2.25-mile walk to discover the varied landscape, habitats and wildlife. We are installing a cycle rack at the car park which will accommodate up to 6 bikes.

We have resurfaced the other three gateways to the reserve. The old metal gates and stiles have been replaced by oak farm gates for the reserve vehicles, and we've put in kissing gates to make access easier for those on foot. Each gate also has an information panel with a map and location guide.

It was perhaps inevitable that an area steeped in military history would produce further evidence of its former use. In late January two unexploded World War Two grenades were unearthed and had to be dealt with on site by the Army's Bomb Disposal Regiment. A specialist company has completed a survey of the reserve and concluded that the greatest risk is from land service ammunition (e.g. mortars, grenades) near the surface that might be set off by digging, tree felling and bonfires. We have put up notices warning visitors of the risk from what's known in the trade as UXO (unexploded ordnance) and we will take the risk into account when planning any work or event in the future. The experts have suggested that everyone follows the sensible advice of - if you didn't drop it, don't pick it up.

We are currently finalising with the Forestry Commission the final draft of the comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which identifies all the effects that our habitat creation work might have. Once the draft is agreed the EIA will be opened to public consultation. If approved we intend to start the major restoration work in the autumn of 2009, beginning with the clearance of some of the young pine plantations. Visitors may have noticed that contractors have already cut several acres of rhododendron. This work, that did not require Forestry Commission approval, will continue in phases for several years to come to stop this introduced plant shading out all the Bluebells and other wild flowers. The process involves cutting one year and chemical treatment of new growth in the following year. Our neighbours at Sussex Wildlife Trust's Eridge Rocks have been working on rhododendron clearance for a number of years and the results are impressive.

We are planning a Meet the RSPB Day on Saturday 16 May when RSPB staff and volunteers will be at the new car park from 1030-1630 to provide more information about future plans and to answer any questions you might have. Please drop by to see them and take the opportunity to take a walk around the reserve to look and listen for recent arrivals such as Whitethroats, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers which should all be in good voice.

We will continue to keep you posted on developments and forthcoming events, but don't hesitate to contact us if you need to.

Caroline FitzGerald
RSPB Broadwater Warren project manager
RSPB Wealden Office, Sham Farm Business Units, Eridge Green
Tel: 01892 752430
Email: caroline.fitzgerald@rspb.org.uk