A restoration project has begun in popular nature reserve Upton Warren.

The comprehensive restoration project on The Christopher Cadbury Wetland Reserve, which is popular amongst birdwatchers, began on Monday, November 27.

Funding by £115,456 from Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme, the reserve aims to bolster habitats and support the diversity of wildlife in the region.

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The reserve, under the stewardship of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, includes freshwater and saltwater pools that harbour a variety of birdlife.

The freshwater pools, known as 'The Moors', a cluster of islands which offers crucial refuge to birds during the winter and doubles up as a nesting space in the summer.

Worcester News: Natural England's Species Recovery Programme have funded £115,456 towards the project

Ensuing works in this area will combat erosion by adopting specialist posting techniques and laying additional soil and gravel.

In addition to renovating the islands, the project also includes plans to create more open water habitat by clearing some reed and bulrush around the perimeters of the water.

Further work on 'The Flashes', the reserve's saltwater region, will involve dredging sectors where silt has built up over the years.

Worcester News: A cluster of islands on the site is used for birds as refuge in the winter and nesting space in the

This deepening operation will enhance feeding spots for wading birds like avocets while the silt will be utilised to raise existing islands and create a new island adjacent to the mainland.

New nests for species such as the little ringed plover are amongst the benefits expected from these site modifications.

Eleanor Reast, the reserves officer who manages Upton Warren Wetland Reserve, said: "These works will help to support a range of bird species from the common mallard to rarer birds like lapwing and curlew.

Worcester News: Feeding areas for wading birds like avocets will be developed as part of the project

"As well as wildlife benefitting immediately, these works will also provide habitat for many years to come.

"We’re very lucky to have an amazing group of volunteers at Upton Warren who undertake all sorts of management tasks.

This is not only great for the volunteers, who can improve habitats elsewhere on the site, but also means that there is less interference to wildlife in the long-term.”

The restoration project is predicted to conclude just before Christmas, indicating a timeline of a month for completion.