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Our work here
18 August 2011
Heathland restoration
The RSPB acquired Broadwater Warren in 2007. The first step towards restoration of the heathland from conifer plantation took place in 2010. This involved the removing of dense young conifer trees and the harvesting some of the mature pine and spruce.
In doing so it is hoped the site will see the return of rare and threatened birds such as nightjars and woodcocks, and also other wildlife that was once present in the area.
The first heather shoots could start appearing as early as spring 2011, and will produce a beautiful carpet of heather in the coming years. It is hoped lost birds such as woodlarks and Dartford warblers will also return. Increased light and warmth at ground level will help insects and reptiles such as the common lizard.
Decoy Pond
The restoration of the Decoy Pond is working a treat, encouraging a variety of dragonflies and damselflies (and grey wagtails too!). The badly damaged track at the head of the pond has been repaired, and the dam has been rebuilt, allowing the pond to refill to its former level.
Volunteers
Volunteer work parties meet every other Tuesday and once per month at weekends. All work parties start at 10.30 am. The variety of work now being carried out on the reserve by the volunteer team is fantastic, ranging from Dormouse surveys to birch coppicing, from fencing to leading guided walks.
Volunteers are also undertaking fixed point photography around the reserve, which will give us a fascinating record of the habitats as they return to their former glory. They have also been using coppiced wood to build benches so that visitors can sit and enjoy the views.
Funding
We're grateful to the many organisations and individuals who are supporting our work at Broadwater Warren including: the High Weald Joint Advisory Committee through its Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, GrantScape under their 2006 Biodiversity Challenge Fund, Defra, Natural England, English Heritage, Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund, High Weald AONB Sustainable Development Fund and SITA Trust's Enriching Nature Programme.
We are grateful to employees from Goldman Sachs, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Churchill Insurance and AXA-PPP who have all got stuck in here to help with the reserve management.