Status of reedbed in the UK

There are about 5000ha of reed beds in the UK, but of the 900 or so sites contributing to this total, only about 50 are greater than 20ha, and these make a large contribution to the total area. They are considered to be a rare and threatened habitat in the UK. Only the bigger sites are really capable of accommodating all the habitat niches necessary for the characteristic reedbed species: birds like the bittern, marsh harrier, bearded tit, reed warbler and water rail; unusual plants; moths and butterflies amongst the invertebrates; otters and water voles. Their ornithological interest has resulted in significant efforts, notably by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), to create new reedbeds.

Being highly dynamic, reedbeds are also a classic example of a 'plagioclimatic' habitat. Like other favoured conservation landscapes, they are arrested at an early stage of natural succession by management, which prevents them from drying out and developing into woodland. Eventually in coastal locations it is possible for a full succession to develop from brackish-fresh water at the top of the marsh to coastal scrub and woodland.

Reedbeds can emerge spontaneously and cover large areas when drainage lapses, as happened at Leighton Moss, Lancashire and Minsmere, Suffolk both RSPB reserves.

Caveat: The full sequence of reedbed succession, from colonising reed to scrub and woodland, is very rare due to enclosure and/or drainage of coastal wetlands. As a result such examples as do exist have the potential to be of a high nature conservation value.