Species Survival Fund
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) has boosted local biodiversity through habitat improvements at Steart Marshes and Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve for species like avocets and great crested newts.
Our funding has supported the team to create wetter conditions for wildlife. Key parts of the project include the creation and restoration of scrapes, ponds and the enhancement of a saline lagoon. New footdrains – which are shallow channels designed to hold water – provide muddy foraging habitat for breeding wading birds.
WWT also partnered with Blue Carbon Farming, a local farming group, using NoFence collars to allow cattle to graze over 495 hectares of coastal habitat.
Alongside, the project has:
- run demonstration days with local landowners and farmers on wetland creation and management to raise awareness of the benefits of nature-friendly farming for wildlife and people
- installed a new boardwalk, enabling visitors to learn more about saltmarsh habitats and discover the reserve
- trained new volunteers in species monitoring and engagement activities
- delivered art workshops that produced murals in two bird hides and created giant wildlife willow sculptures with local community groups
Olivia Boult, Project Manager at WWT, says: “This transformative funding has enabled us to restore species-rich wetland habitat across Steart Marshes and Bridgwater Bay Somerset Wetlands National Nature Reserve, improving connectivity and providing climate change resilience, ultimately leading to a greater variety and abundance of wildlife.”
This project was funded by the UK Government's Species Survival Fund (SSF). We are delivering SSF on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
Discover more about our support for habitats and species across the UK.
