Wildlife is increasing at Brading Marshes after a trial conservation project has produced the best marshland conditions there for more than 20 years.

The highest number of breeding lapwings has been recorded on the reserve this summer, after the Environment Agency helped the RSPB bring water back to part of the marsh there.

The RSPB’s Keith Ballard, the reserve manager, said: “Lapwings and other wetland wildlife need damp ground – without it, they just can’t probe for food. This project has allowed the marsh to become truly marshy again, and wildlife is flourishing as a result.

To see certain species returning in such good numbers is so gratifying, especially as marshland is such a rare habitat on the Isle of Wight. Although this year’s successes are encouraging, there is much more to be done and we’re looking forward to working with the Environment Agency again to see if we can repeat and even improve on this year’s conditions.

One key target is to get redshanks and snipes breeding here again. If we can do that, the marshes really will be back to their former glory.”

Other wetland bird species benefiting from this year’s enhanced conditions include reed warblers and teals. Sightings of rarities from Europe including a little bittern and a cattle egret have also been recorded.

John O’Flynn, Environment Agency Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, said: “The Environment Agency is committed to improving the conditions of Brading Marshes through the delivery of our programme of Water Level Management Plans.

“Our aim is to achieve a balance between improving the environment whilst maintaining our commitment to reduce flood risk within our communities. We are delighted this trial has been a success in terms of the number of breeding lapwings and we continue to work with the RSPB, Natural England, the Isle of Wight Council and local landowners to implement a longer term scheme."

The increase is also due to careful work by the estate management team, funded by SITA Trust, which has seen ditches and fences restored and scrub removed.

Natural England and the Isle of Wight Council have also been involved with the work at Brading Marshes, and welcomed news of the successes there.

Mark Larter, Solent Reserves Manager for Natural England, said: “We’re pleased to see how well the improved marshland conditions and the active work by the partnership is helping the lapwings and other species. We see this as a ‘work in progress’ and a great demonstration of how a well run Environmental Stewardship project can provide the right conditions for wetland wildlife.”

Cllr Edward Giles, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for the environment and transport, said: “The council was delighted to play its part via the planning process in helping to create this special habitat. We hope that the Island’s ecology will continue to benefit from this partnership.”

The best way to view Brading Marshes is via the train station at Brading, where there are free trail guides and a display hosted by Brading Town Council.

For more information on Brading Marshes and the work of the RSPB visit www.rspb.org.uk or call 01273 775333

Images: Brading Marshes, Lapwing © Derek Hale