RSPB new reserve in the Dearne Valley

The RSPB and partners are creating a new wildlife reserve in the Dearne Valley that will provide an important natural habitat for animals and plantlife. The Houghton Washlands, situated to the north of Darfield, will be managed as part of the Dearne Valley Green Heart Nature Improvement Area. It is being created by the RSPB with funding from Defra as part of the NIA work program after a donation of 30 hectares of land from the Environment Agency, which previously leased out the land for arable farming. Within the coming weeks, the Environment Agency will carry out works on a bank of the River Dearne so that the washlands take on water more frequently. A small overspill channel will be created, allowing the land to return to its previous natural state of grazing marsh, reedbed, wet woodland and fen, making it an ideal home for lapwings, snipe, jack snipe and water voles, among many other species. The Environment Agency will be delivering the machinery This Saturday 14th June They will be starting work on the spillway on Monday 16th. There will inevitably be some disturbance during the process but its for the long-term good of the wildlife of the Valley so please be patient and contact Pete W if you have any problems on 07899 676597