We are thrilled that our flagship Eythrope Wetland Creation project has been formally recognised by Buckinghamshire Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre (BMERC) as a new Local Wildlife Site (LWS). LWS status is granted to sites that meet high standards for wildlife diversity and abundance, making LWSs some of the most ecologically important sites in the county. This significant designation is both a validation of the success of the project and ensures recognition of the site and its wildlife through the planning system.

Spanning across approximately 27 hectares, the LWS at Eythrope encompasses a diverse range of wetland habitats that provide a haven for various bird species, especially during the winter months when wildfowl and wading birds find refuge there. 130 bird species have been recorded during ongoing surveys conducted since 2015. The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS), which has been conducted over seven years, identifies Eythrope as one of the two most important areas for birds along the River Thame and wider catchment. Many of these surveys were undertaken by volunteers as part of our Bird Atlas 2016-2020, a publicly accessible database of bird records in the catchment. The designation of this site would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our incredible volunteers who have contributed invaluable records.

The site supports at least 26 bird species on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern Red List including cuckoo, curlew and lapwing. Notably, the site is home to Buckinghamshire’s second ever recorded pair of breeding Goosanders, an important biodiversity indicator species. The site is also home to an array of mammals, including otters, voles, and moles, and surveys have recorded the presence of ten different bat species. Rare plants also thrive across the site. The fields are dominated by tall, tussocky grassland and include several wetland indicator species. Plants like Brown sedge (Carex disticha) and Wild clary (Salvia verbanaca) have been recorded and are both uncommon species for Buckinghamshire.

However, this site was not always a haven for wildlife. Originally a low-diversity pasture, the site underwent a major floodplain restoration project led by RTCT in 2019 in collaboration with Freshwater Habitats Trust, the Environment Agency and Waddesdon Estates LLP. A floodplain mosaic of ponds, pools, scrapes and a large backwater were constructed with the aim of benefiting a wide range of freshwater plants and animals. In just a few years it was clear these aims were met and we now consider the site to be one of our important “stepping stones” along the River Thame, as the river creates an important link throughout the landscape.

However, this site was not always a haven for wildlife. Originally a low-diversity pasture, the site underwent a major floodplain restoration project led by RTCT in 2019 in collaboration with Freshwater Habitats Trust, the Environment Agency and Waddesdon Estates LLP. A floodplain mosaic of ponds, pools, scrapes and a large backwater were constructed with the aim of benefiting a wide range of freshwater plants and animals. In just a few years it was clear these aims were met and we now consider the site to be one of our important “stepping stones” along the River Thame, as the river creates an important link throughout the landscape.

The site will continue to receive ongoing management from Waddesdon Estates LLP with guidance from BMERC on how to maximise its wildlife value. The priority for this area is to manage it such that conditions are favourable for the bird populations it supports as well as trying to create conditions conducive to greater diversity within the flora.

We are delighted to see another valuable area of wetland habitat officially protected and stewarded into the future by the landowner. Wetlands have unfortunately experienced substantial declines throughout the UK, making the designation of this new site even more significant. It signifies a promising trend towards restoring the floodplain of the River Thame, ensuring the preservation and revival of this vital ecosystem. We couldn't be happier about this positive step forward in our ongoing efforts to safeguard and restore the River Thame catchment.