The excavation of wet feeding features for wading birds and structures to control ditch water levels are an integral component of wetland farm stewardship agreements. Such groundworks are key to the success of re-wetting schemes for biodiversity. In tandem with a tailored grazing regime  floodplain grasslands with shallow water features lasting through to June are a magnet for nesting wading birds. Though they naturally dry out in late summer and grass over, the features will wet up in the winter rains, attracting overwintering waders and wildfowl.

A period of excavation works on six wetland restoration sites commenced this month as diggers moved in to carry out groundworks planned and funded by Higher Level Stewardship agreements with farmers.

Project Officer Tim Burkinshaw explains:" this autumn sees an unprecedented intensity of groundworks on stewardship farms in the Wetland Project. Excavators will be working on up to six different farms, creating shallow scrapes in grassland fields which will hold some water for part of the year. The idea is to improve feeding habitat for waders which feed their chicks on invertebrates in the shallows and muddy shoreline."

Due to the historical significance of Carr land the Project has arranged for archaeologists to observe all excavation work to record anything which may be uncovered. They can also advise on the best course of action in the event something significant is unearthed.

As Tim points out: " We have taken great care to locate the scrapes away from any historical sites we know of already but you can't be too careful. Even in deep peats which represent the middle of the Mesolithic lake there is a small chance of something significant." 

Tim continues: " Experts believe the stone age people were able to travel about the wetland areas as finds have been made in areas that were islands in the Mesolithic lake. There is even what looks like a wooden paddle from the Star Carr site but no-one has yet found a boat so you never know!"

Excavation work started this week at Seamer and at Potter Brompton. Subsequently diggers will move on to sites at Flotmanby, Flixton, Folkton and Staxton. Other stewardship activities farms are carrying out this autumn include re-seeding arable fields to grass, fencing for livestock grazing and construction of water control sluices. Most of the farmland is private but there are public rights of way passing close to some of the work. For more details contact Tim Burkinshaw on 01723 37407