CJL
Well-Known Member
Just got this;
£500,000 face lift for Fobney Island
Fobney Island, in Reading is being transformed into a wetland haven for nature thanks to a £500,000 facelift.
The project will see the island turned into a rich new wetland and wildflower hay-meadow habitat. The site is expected to attract a vast array of wildlife, including birds, bats, water voles, and otters. These works, together with river restoration on the River Kennet, will make the island a more enjoyable place for people to visit, especially for bird watchers and anglers.
The Environment Agency has joined forces with Reading Borough Council, Thames Water and the Thames Rivers Restoration Trust to carry out the work.
The river restoration works will include restoring 310 metres of the River Kennet and introducing new river gravels to the channel to create ‘riffles’. Gravel riffles provide the perfect breeding ground for fish, as well as an ideal habitat for invertebrate life to thrive. These are essential for fish spawning, in particular for chub, dace and barbel who lay their eggs in the gravel beds. Emerging fry find shelter amongst the gravel during early stages of their development. A new backwater will be created to provide vital refuge habitat for young fish fry.
A circular walk will also be created at the site, with views across the new wetland features, which will help to make the site more accessible and attractive to visitors. The scheme will also include two bird hides with views across the new wetlands. Information boards at the site entrance points will provide information about the Wetland Park and its wildlife.
Graham Scholey, Conservation Technical Specialist, said: “This project will make a real difference to the diversity of wildlife at the site and I’m delighted we were able to start this week. Fobney Island is already very popular with local residents, and we hope the improvements will encourage even more people to enjoy this natural area.
”Together with key partners we are striving to deliver the Government's ambitious new plan for improving the national environment, and we are working to give communities more involvement in caring for their local environment and helping people realise the benefits of getting out and about in the great outdoors.”
Robert Oates, Executive Director of the Thames Rivers Restoration Trust said, “This project is a great example of how public, private and community partnerships benefit people and nature.”
Marian Livingston, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Culture and Sport, said: “I’m very pleased the council is playing a part in this excellent and exciting project. The transformation of Fobney Island into a haven for nature and wildlife will, I’m sure, attract more visitors to this vital green space in the borough. I will be taking a close interest in this fabulous project and very much look forward to visiting the site once the work is finished.”
The council will continue to manage and maintain the island after the work and will also be looking to volunteers to help with maintenance.
A Friends of Fobney Island volunteer group will be established with support from the project partners to help maintain the site and provide on-going educational opportunities. If you would like to get involved please call Reading Borough Council’s Parks department on 0800 626540.
Rosemary Waugh, Thames Water's community investment manager, said: "We have been looking forward to this project for a long time now and it's very exciting to think that people will be able to enjoy Fobney Island so soon. This is just one of the schemes Thames Water is involved with for the benefit of our customers as part of our Ten for Ten community fund."
Site works started on September 7 where public notices have been erected to keep everyone informed.
£500,000 face lift for Fobney Island
Fobney Island, in Reading is being transformed into a wetland haven for nature thanks to a £500,000 facelift.
The project will see the island turned into a rich new wetland and wildflower hay-meadow habitat. The site is expected to attract a vast array of wildlife, including birds, bats, water voles, and otters. These works, together with river restoration on the River Kennet, will make the island a more enjoyable place for people to visit, especially for bird watchers and anglers.
The Environment Agency has joined forces with Reading Borough Council, Thames Water and the Thames Rivers Restoration Trust to carry out the work.
The river restoration works will include restoring 310 metres of the River Kennet and introducing new river gravels to the channel to create ‘riffles’. Gravel riffles provide the perfect breeding ground for fish, as well as an ideal habitat for invertebrate life to thrive. These are essential for fish spawning, in particular for chub, dace and barbel who lay their eggs in the gravel beds. Emerging fry find shelter amongst the gravel during early stages of their development. A new backwater will be created to provide vital refuge habitat for young fish fry.
A circular walk will also be created at the site, with views across the new wetland features, which will help to make the site more accessible and attractive to visitors. The scheme will also include two bird hides with views across the new wetlands. Information boards at the site entrance points will provide information about the Wetland Park and its wildlife.
Graham Scholey, Conservation Technical Specialist, said: “This project will make a real difference to the diversity of wildlife at the site and I’m delighted we were able to start this week. Fobney Island is already very popular with local residents, and we hope the improvements will encourage even more people to enjoy this natural area.
”Together with key partners we are striving to deliver the Government's ambitious new plan for improving the national environment, and we are working to give communities more involvement in caring for their local environment and helping people realise the benefits of getting out and about in the great outdoors.”
Robert Oates, Executive Director of the Thames Rivers Restoration Trust said, “This project is a great example of how public, private and community partnerships benefit people and nature.”
Marian Livingston, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Culture and Sport, said: “I’m very pleased the council is playing a part in this excellent and exciting project. The transformation of Fobney Island into a haven for nature and wildlife will, I’m sure, attract more visitors to this vital green space in the borough. I will be taking a close interest in this fabulous project and very much look forward to visiting the site once the work is finished.”
The council will continue to manage and maintain the island after the work and will also be looking to volunteers to help with maintenance.
A Friends of Fobney Island volunteer group will be established with support from the project partners to help maintain the site and provide on-going educational opportunities. If you would like to get involved please call Reading Borough Council’s Parks department on 0800 626540.
Rosemary Waugh, Thames Water's community investment manager, said: "We have been looking forward to this project for a long time now and it's very exciting to think that people will be able to enjoy Fobney Island so soon. This is just one of the schemes Thames Water is involved with for the benefit of our customers as part of our Ten for Ten community fund."
Site works started on September 7 where public notices have been erected to keep everyone informed.