Reedbeds
Reedbeds are wetlands dominated by stands of common reed Phragmites australis. Other plant species may also occur but at a significantly lower level of abundance. In reedbeds, the water table is at or above ground level for most of the year. Stands of reeds occur in open water transitions around lakes and ponds, in floodplain mires and in estuaries, along dykes, canals and sluggish lowland rivers, in peat cuttings and on saltmarshes.
Reedbeds are important habitats for birds in the UK. They can support a distinctive assemblage of birds, which include rare and endangered species such as bittern, marsh harrier, crane, Cetti’s warbler, Savi’s warbler and bearded tit. Reedbeds also provide roosting and feeding sites for migratory bird species, winter roost sites for birds of prey and support rare specialised species of invertebrates.
Reedbeds are a UK priority habitat. In the UK there are estimated to be around 5000ha of reed bed scattered in small sites with only about 50 sites being greater than 20ha in extent.
In the Tees Valley most sites are smaller than 10ha. Key sites include Coatham Marsh, Haverton Hole, Fleet Pond and Dorman’s Pool.
