Doxey Marshes
| Doxey Marshes | |
|---|---|
 Doxey Marshes in October 2006 | |
 | |
| Type | Nature reserve |
| Location | Stafford, England |
| OS grid | SJ903250 |
| Coordinates | 52°48′58″N 2°08′13″W / 52.816°N 2.137°W |
| Area | 150 hectares (370 acres) |
| Operated by | Staffordshire Wildlife Trust |
| Status | Site of Special Scientific Interest |
| Website | www |
Doxey Marshes is a 150 hectares (370 acres)
Geographical features and biodiversity
Doxey Marshes lies within the floodplain of the River Sow and periodically it breaches its banks and subjects the marshes to flooding.[1] Wading birds love the shallow pools and muddy edges this flooding leaves behind as a source of food. In the autumn and spring during the migration period, Doxey can attract a variety of rare birds. Rarities recorded in recent years include river warbler, marsh warbler, purple heron, cattle egret, Eurasian spoonbill, European bee-eater and bluethroat.[2]
Management
Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve is managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
Grazing throughout the summer is a very traditional way of managing wet grassland and keeps the grass short enough for ground nesting birds to keep a look out for predators. Cattle numbers are monitored to avoid trampling of eggs and nests early on in the breeding season.
Large areas of rush that are unpalatable to cattle are cut by hand in sections to allow open feeding areas and some cover.
Willow trees are
Fishing permits are available for Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve from the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.[3]
Gallery
References
- ^ a b c d "Doxey Marshes". Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
- ISBN 0950788120.
- ^ "Fishing permit | Staffordshire Wildlife Trust". Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
External links
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