Good reeds
REEDBEDS are home to some of Britain’s rarest breeding birds, such as Eurasian Bittern, Western Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tit and Cetti’s Warbler, as well as large populations of commoner species including Water Rail, Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting. All of these species are dependent on this special wetland habitat to provide both food and a safe breeding location.
Britain’s reedbeds cover almost 5,000 ha over about 900 sites, which means that many are small and also fragmented. They are formed by dense stands of Common Reed Phragmites australis and are found in both in freshwater as well as in areas of brackish water. Non-tidal freshwater reedbeds usually lead to the eventual formation of wet woodland, before drying out completely. Without active management they are easily lost over time, with all their associated wildlife also disappearing.
As well as supporting birds, the habitat provides a safe haven for invertebrates and more than 700 species have been recorded in East Anglian reedbeds. The highest diversity is found in damp reedbeds with leaf litter and other plant species. Five invertebrates listed in the Red Data Book for Britain are closely associated with this habitat, including Reed Leopard moth and a rove beetle. Wainscot moths of many species are associated with reeds and their pale cream caterpillars are consumed eagerly by young Bearded Tits, while later in the year their diet switches to reed seeds.
Another creature found among reeds is the Plum-reed or Mealy Plum Aphid. In spring it is found on plum trees, where it has hibernated, and in late spring and early summer it migrates to reedbeds, where is especially numerous at the edges. The aphid is a favourite food of Sedge Warbler which gorges on it before migrating in autumn. Reed Warbler also eats it, but seemingly not in such quantities.