Pioneering nature reserve
Last updated 10:32, Friday, 03 October 2008
ONE OF Cumbria’s best havens for wetland flora and fauna has become a pioneering 70-acre nature reserve at Bassenthwaite.
Lord Inglewood, of Hutton in the Forest, opened Dubwath Silver Meadows this week, explaining the unique site – once forming the northern tip of the lake – would bring “a great deal of enjoyment to many people”.
As owner of the Special Area of Conservation, he added: “Seeing this come to fruition gives me a great sense of satisfaction.”
As well as hosting nationally important wildlife, the first wetland reserve of its kind in the Lake District will help to boost Bassenthwaite Lake’s water quality by holding floodwater and harmful sediment.
A Bassenthwaite Reflections’ project, the site boasts a new 900-metre boardwalk, made from recycled plastic, and a 600-metre Honister stone path.
The new route provides access for all and takes visitors on a rare tour of fascinating wetland.
The project has taken three years to come to fruition and includes inspirational shelters; traditional Norse, Celtic and growing willow structures made by groups of volunteers, led by Grampus Heritage and Training, which came in for warm praise from Lord Inglewood.
He said: “We are used to hides which would be more suitable for an urban park.
“The ones we see here would have fitted in 1,000 years ago and are nice for the landscape.”
Ancient construction methods were used and they will help visitors to view species including grasshopper warblers, curlews and greylag geese.
Managing the project on behalf of the Environment Agency, Steve Johnston explained: “The aim is to improve the habitat of flowers, insects and birds, many of which can only survive when the land is lightly grazed by cattle and sheep.”
