Habitat improvement and Tilting Weir installation - Old Hall Marshes

Descriptions

To improve the habitat found at RSPB Old Hall Marshes we propose to carry out the following, we will use material generated from reprofiling existing footdrains to renovate existing crossing points around the reserve. We propose to install a Tilting weir (RSPB to provide) and finally renovate several small islands into one larger island and top with shingle. The works will ensure that we have increased compartmentalisation across the marshes, with finer and more water control. This will enable better management potential and the ability to be more dynamic with water levels. It will also mean that we have mitigated some of the potential impacts of climate change, as water will be better directed on site to critical areas. The newly reprofiled footdrains will create enhanced and new edges for breeding and passage waders including locally important numbers of lapwing and redshank. The new weir will allow the unrestricted passage of eels across the marshes and ensure better and more water control in addition to the renovated crossing points. The new and improved island will create new breeding habitat for the red listed and rare little tern, a designated species in the Blackwater estuary. More details in the attached documents