Working Party - Reed Beds Cut

By Mark H., 1 October 2025

Today the Friends of Caldy Nature Park volunteer group has been carrying out vital work to maintain the reed beds, an area that is a Priority Habitat.

Volunteers cutting the reeds

Reed beds are cut to prevent them from naturally becoming woodland, which would reduce their value for wildlife and water management. Cutting also prevents nutrient and litter build-up, and encourages new growth. We cut about one third of the reed bed, leaving the other two thirds for the wildlife. We rotate the area we cut each year so that the whole area is managed.

It was warm work, cutting, raking, carrying and piling up the cut reeds. Julie provided refreshments to keep us going and we were very pleased with what we achieved with our small team of volunteers.