Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Fife-based conservation team took to the muddy banks of the Eden Estuary recently to give the sand a hand and help to restore the area from damage caused by tidal currents.
By planting sea club rush, a grass-like plant which thrives in wetlands and moist soil and helps to compact and solidify sandy grounds, the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s team of seven all-weather young workers completed one part of an on-going restoration project led by St Andrews University.
David Blair, Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Fife Conservation Team Supervisor, said: “This was a messy, muddy and truly fascinating job for our team. After wading through the wet estuary dragging sledges loaded with heavy equipment, we then had to work quickly to plant as much sea club rush as we could before the tides changed. We were sure to maintain a vigil eye on tide levels as this area, like many bays, can be dangerous as it’s possible to become cut off from the mainland.
“The presence of the sea club rush plant species will reduce soil erosion and act as a natural breakwater to create a more stable habitat where wildlife such as grey plovers, shelducks, and even otters can thrive. The estuary is an important local habitat for many bird species and notably is home to the most northerly concentration of black-tailed godwits in Britain.
“As this part of the Eden Estuary borders with the RAF Leuchars base, staff from the RAF were on-hand to supervise our access to the secure site. It is very encouraging to know that the RAF strongly support the restoration project, and they have already demonstrated positive support to further work planned by St. Andrews University. We hope the Scottish Wildlife Trust will be involved on an annual basis and that over time the area will transform into a stable wild land supporting local wildlife.”
The habitat restoration taking place within the Eden Estuary is part of a co-ordinated effort including all the estates major stakeholders. The project has received £22,000 from SEPA to operate over the next three years. It is hoped that this work will make a real difference to help this habitat play its vital role within a healthy coastline.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust runs 11 Conservation Teams across Scotland, which are supervised locally and provide jobs for many local young people. Their work to maintain over 120 wildlife reserves managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and complete contract work in the wider community sees the delivery of real benefits to local communities, including providing local employment and training opportunities completing tasks which protect local wildlife and wild places while ensuring people and families can access and enjoy the wildlife to be found on their doorsteps.
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‘Scottish Wildlife Trust Conservation Worker plants sea club rush at Eden Estuary.’
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.
2. The People’s Postcode Lottery is the lottery for charities in Scotland. Launched in November 2007, People’s Postcode Lottery represents a unique fundraising concept where players play with their postcode to win cash prizes whilst supporting local charities in Scotland. 40p from each ticket sold goes direct to charities in Scotland. To date SWT have received over £1,015,585 from PPL which helps maintain the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s network of over 120 reserves across Scotland.
3. SWT receives financial assistance and support from a range of organisations, funders and individuals including Scottish Natural Heritage and the People’s Postcode Lottery.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nicola McGovern, SWT PR Officer
Tel: 0131 312 4742