Conservation

Reedbeds

Reedbeds

Bearded tit perched in reeds

Reedbeds are wet habitats, which are dominated by common reed, a perennial and flood-tolerant grass that grows in excess of 2m. In the UK most extensive reedbeds are found in river floodplains and low-lying coastal areas.

Two distinct reed-dominated habitats exist:

Reed swamp

  • flooded year round and is usually a monoculture of common reed     

Reed fen

  • permanent high water table
  • periodically flooded
  • botanically diverse reed-dominated community
  • contains many tall herbs     

Further reading

Hawke, C and José, P (1996) Reedbed management for commercial and wildlife interests. RSPB, Sandy.

Nuttall, P M, Boon, A G and Rowell, M R (1997) Review of the design and management of constructed wetlands. CIRIA Report 180. CIRIA, London.

Self, M, Hawke, C and José, P (1996) Reedbed enhancement and creation at RSPB nature reserves. RSPB Conservation Review 10: 45-53