A POPULAR nature reserve could be subjected to managed flooding in order to protect and enhance its biodiversity.
Colchester Council wants to control the water levels at an “acceptable level” at Ferry Marsh Nature Reserve in Wivenhoe.
It is hoped once the optimum level is maintained, the wildlife at the beauty spot will be enabled to flourish.
Existing wildlife found at the nature reserve, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, includes nesting birds and water voles.
A report set to be served to the council’s environment and sustainability panel on Thursday reveals biodiversity at Ferry Marsh has began to thrive in recent years.
Experts believe it is due to the site having wetter conditions and reduced contact with humans and dogs.
The council claims its proposed scheme will help to balance the needs of the newly thriving wildlife while keeping any disruption to existing species to a minimum.
Its officers fear Ferry Marsh and the adjacent Wivenhoe Trail could face uncontrolled flooding without intervention.
If this occurs, the council will have to regularly fork out for the unblocking of the sluice, which could put its SSSI status at risk.
“Each time the sluice is unblocked it leads to a sudden water loss which means aquatic life is also lost suddenly,” reads the report.
“The Site of Special Scientific Interest status is unlikely to ever be in ‘favourable’ condition as a result.”
The council fears if the water levels are not managed “then we will not be able to maintain optimal water level for biodiversity, and benefits gained during recent flooding may be permanently lost.”
Management of Ferry Marsh was taken on by Colchester Council in 1999.
The nature reserve mostly remained dry between 2002 and 2017 but its quality improved, particularly thanks to the partial restrictions to people and dogs in 2010.
By last year, reedbed areas had been expanded by higher water levels, creating natural pools ideal for birds.
The council committee will have the final say on the managed flooding plans.
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