Nature Conservation Success at Foremark Reservoir

A dedicated team of rangers and volunteers is developing award-winning nature conservation projects at Foremark Reservoir, on the northern boundary of the National Forest. The projects won five wildlife awards in 2005 alone!

Owned by Severn Trent Water (STW), this stunning expanse of water is surrounded by 500 acres of deciduous woodland, grassland, meadows and wetland. Created in the 1970s, the reservoir now attracts over 320,000 visitors a year, both from the local community and visitors to The National Forest.

The Foremark Oak Tree Project began in December 2005, funded by STW’s conservation and heritage fund. Removing silt and thinning nearby trees to increase the light falling on the water, markedly improved the conditions for wildlife in a large pond on the site. Thinning the trees also opened up the stunning view to the majestic oak tree which gives the pond its name.

A smaller pond was created to provide a boggy habitat for invertebrates and marginal plant species. Already bluebells have spread into the newly cleared areas, the diversity and abundance of aquatic and marginal plants has grown, and there is a fantastic array of aquatic invertebrates including masses of tadpoles and many more smooth newt in the pond, great diving beetle (and larvae), water scorpion, water boatman and dragonfly larvae. Around the pond 16 species of butterfly, 10 species of dragonfly and a diverse variety of birds including kingfisher and nuthatch have all been recorded.

The Barn Owl Project has been initiated to encourage barn owls to nest again at Foremark. Scrub and trees encroaching onto the site had driven an original pair away to an adjoining site, but the rangers were keen to clear the site to encourage these impressive birds back to Foremark.

Volunteers have cleared half an acre of open ground, thinned woodland and opened up a ride to allow an easy flight path for the barn owls. A flock of Hebridean sheep supplied by Calke Park has proved a sustainable, unobtrusive and aesthetically-pleasing way of keeping the site clear.

Nesting boxes have been built and securely fixed to encourage potential new inhabitants. But it can take many years before barn owl take up residence in a box and as yet they have not moved back. The population of the area is being effectively monitored by a ringing programme carried out in conjunction with South Derbyshire Ringing Group.

Inspired by a few sand martins nesting along the shoreline, Project Sand Martin is underway to encourage more of these agile flyers to the site. A tall sandy bank was created by excavating three metres back into the bank, providing a 15 m stretch of exposed earth over 2 m high. 150 tonnes of earth were removed. Volunteers built a stone wall to further protect the nesting site from erosion when the water in the reservoir is at full height.

Extending the project through 2006, including closing off half a kilometre of bank from public and fishing access to prevent human disturbance, has paid dividends with at least three pairs of sand martin successfully breeding. The bank shows great promise for next year with numerous birds recorded ‘prospecting’ the site.

The Tree Sparrow Project, as reported in Forest Scene Summer 2005, goes from strength to strength. The four feeders now consume over 60kg of seed per week! Between 20 and 40 tree sparrows have been recorded throughout the year. Other birds spotted include greater spotted woodpecker, great tit, blue tit, chaffinch, greenfinch and yellowhammer as well as turtle dove and song thrush.

The success of these projects is due to the hard work and amazing commitment of a dedicated team of rangers and a very active set of volunteers. The volunteer ranger programme was set up in 2001 with the aim of encouraging active community involvement in the management of sites for the benefit of both wildlife and the individuals involved. Weekly task days are held for the 30 active volunteers, with extra hours laid on! In recognition of their dedication there is a special award for those who exceed 100 hours service over the year!

Supporting this work is a newly established Wildlife Group of ten experienced volunteers (including Derbyshire Ornithological Society county recorders, bird ringers and moth trappers). The aim of the group is to gain a better picture of wildlife at Foremark and aid future management of the site.

The newest project on the horizon is to encourage Bat Roosting at Foremark. This will only add to the exciting mix of nature conservation work being carried out at the reservoir and will doubtless result in further substantial benefits for wildlife. Watch this space for more awards rolling in!

Opening times at Foremark Reservoir: from November to March: 9am until 4pm daily. There is a small charge for car parking.