Broads on road to ecological health
A joint study of The Broads by English Nature and the Broads Authority has revealed that nine per cent of the open water area is fully restored to ecological health, with a further 50% recovering and expected to be in a favourable condition by 2010.
Upton, Buckenham and the two Martham Broads are among the areas found to be in full ecological health. Meanwhile, nutrient levels in Barton Broad, which has recently undergone a massive restoration project, have been reduced by 80% over the last 25 years and clear water and aquatic plants are now restored in the bays. Of the 42% of the broads area currently in an unfavourable condition only four per cent are continuing to decline.
Andrea Kelly, Broads Authority Conservation Officer, said: “The results of the study are very encouraging. There has been a major effort over the past 25 years to restore the lakes within The Broads and the rewards are now being reaped. But there is still some way to go and full recovery is likely to take some time and investment.”
The study assessed the 39 lakes that are designated as nationally (SSSIs) and internationally important for both water quality and aquatic plants. It will be used to plan the next round of restoration projects and to make a bid for Government funds to undertake this vital work.
At the beginning of the 20th century the lakes and rivers within the Broads consisted of crystal clear water with a wide variety of water plants. However, some 50 years later there was a catastrophic decline, with pea soup replacing the clear water and the loss of the plant beds. The fishery declined and species such as the bittern and otter, dependent upon a healthy water environment, were lost.
The reason for this devastating change was increased phosphorus levels, introduced into the water via sewage and other sources. Water quality has improved markedly in recent decades due to improved sewage treatment, changes in agricultural practice, the removal of nutrient-rich mud from lakes and the restoration of aquatic plant and swamp communities.
Clive Doarks, Conservation Officer for English Nature, the Government’s wildlife watchdog, commented: “We plan to review this analysis regularly so we are able to see the way restoration efforts are paying dividends and the target for clear water broads is being met. One thing is certain, though. While so much has been achieved, there is much more that needs to be done.”
12/08/2004
