A Catchment Clean for Bitterns

A study of the water catchment areas around Leighton Moss reserve for the benefit of local BAP and other species. Leighton Moss suffers from high nutrient loading. The study will assess reasons for and propose solutions leading to improved water quality. This will have benefits for biodiversity on the reserve and in the surrounding catchment. Recent years have seen a dramatic decline in bittern numbers. Initial investigations have been identified extremely high nutrient loading in water entering the reserve. This is having a detrimental impact on reserve ecology including BAP listed species as well as causing sedimentation of the site. The project will provide a good understanding of nutrient movement through the catchment and therefore the impacts they are having on wildlife and habitats. The study will result in the development of a strategy to improve water quality in the catchment therefore creating a better environment to encourage & protect BAP listed flora & fauna on the reserve