Reedbed restoration - State 3, Drying to State 2, Intermediate

Intervention at this stage in the succession cycle is generally required to restore habitat conditions, which are optimal for the broad range of species (including some of the more specialised species such as the bittern and bearded tit). A variety of techniques for controlling reed growth. The most frequently used are:

• Cutting;
• Burning;
• Use of herbicides.

Comment: Most of these are associated with traditional forms of management for nature conservation purposes.