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Our work here
18 July 2011
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Rye Meads nature reserve forms part of the Lee Valley, which is internationally important for its birdlife.
The reserve comprises a variety of wetland habitats, including lagoons, pools, reedbeds and scrapes. These support birds such as wildfowl, waders and bitterns, as well as many other kinds of wildlife.
The RSPB, and partners, manage the reserve to maintain the right balance of habitats for wildlife, and also to provide a year-round visitor attraction and educational resource.
Working with water
We are working to maintain and improve areas of open water for wintering wildfowl, including gadwall and shoveler, as well as breeding birds such as tufted ducks, little grebes and common terns.
We are also maintaining the scrapes and their muddy edges for the benefit of waders, and looking after other damp habitats such as ditches and wet woodland.
Reedbed rarities
We are working to maintain the reedbed for wintering bitterns. This also helps improve the habitat for other important reedbed wildlife, including otters, water voles, and invertebrates such as the large wainscot and Webb's wainscot moths.
Boosting breeders
We are taking active steps in helping certain species of bird to breed. These include providing artificial nesting banks for kingfishers and sand martins, and nesting rafts for common terns.
We also hope to encourage breeding bitterns by expanding the reedbed.
Offering more
Rye Meads lies close to a large centre of population and provides a year-round wildlife spectacle for many visitors. We plan to upgrade our paths and hides to provide even better access for all.
We will also offer more materials and services at the reserve and visitor centre for the use of schools and other groups.
People power
We would like to increase our involvement with the local community. We are running a new inspirational events programme and aim to get more volunteers involved.
We are also continuing to develop our innovative education programme for schools, and to promote lifelong learning through the reserve. Meanwhile we encourage all our visitors to support the local community.
Funding
We are grateful to the employees of Goldman Sachs, Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC and Earthwatch who have helped deliver for conservation here.
How you can help
We need your support to continue our work
Make a donation