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Havergate Island
RSPB Havergate Island nature reserve is located within the estuary of the River Ore.
It is nationally important for breeding Avocet, with up to 100 pairs (20 to 25% of the UK breeding population), and for breeding sandwich terns, Sterna sandvicensis, with up to 250 pairs (1.3 % of UK breeding population). The lagoon complex is also nationally important for its population of rare starlet sea anemone (Nematostella vectensis). Up to 1,000 avocets winter on the lagoons and the estuary (32% of UK wintering population).
The main threat to the lagoons and their birds is flooding, which would occur if the seawall breached. Other problems include fluctuating salinity levels in the lagoons, which adversely affect their ecology. Vegetation encroaching along lagoon edges reduces the amount of open feeding habitat for the avocets.
The nesting birds and their young are also at risk from predation by large gulls and foxes. Meanwhile, islands used by these species are vulnerable to vegetation growth or erosion by wave action, making them unsuitable for nesting.
Actions to address threats
The riverbank protecting the reserve from salt water flooding has been raised and strengthened to reduce this risk, and it is kept maintained in good condition.
Sluices are maintained and operated to manage water levels and salinity levels as necessary throughout the project. Water feeder ditches within the reserve are maintained regularly to ensure that flows are unrestricted.
Fresh water is pumped from a borehole when required to maintain water levels and balance salinity levels in the lagoon
Fresh water is pumped from a borehole when required to maintain water levels and balance salinity levels in the lagoon. In periods of high rainfall, pumping is not required to maintain salinity levels.
The bed of the lagoon is cultivated whenever the organic content is low, this brings organic matter to the surface, which feeds the lagoon invertebrate populations. This involves draining the lagoon to allow access for tractor and equipment, but has not been needed during the life of the project.
Nesting islands are regularly cleared of vegetation and reshaped to keep them in a suitable condition.
Six new nesting islands have been constructed using soil excavated on the reserve.
Public awareness and information
Visitors to the island are ferried by the RSPB boat, and have free access to the observation hides throughout the day.
Survey and monitoring
Breeding and wintering bird numbers are monitored, as are lagoon invertebrate populations and salinity levels, to provide an understanding of the effects of management on key species.