Essex reserve logs record waterbird numbers

Wallasea Island RSPB logged a record total of 38,000 waterbirds during its Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count in December 2023.

This huge count surpassed the previous record, which had been set in January 2020.

The large numbers of waders and wildfowl come in the wake of the Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project, which has transformed the area's wetland habitats. The recent survey revealed remarkable numbers of several species, including 700 Avocets and more than 2,000 Black-tailed Godwits.

Large numbers of Black-tailed Godwits were among the significant results from December's WeBS count (Jane Rowe).

The creation of 650 ha of lagoons, mudflats, saltmarsh and coastal grassland between 2015 and 2018 has fulfilled its promise of supporting thousands of feeding and roosting waterbirds. Notably Jubilee Marsh, covering 165 ha, hosted over half of the birds recorded.

Using repurposed soil from London's Crossrail scheme, the island is a vital space for various wader species, including Black-tailed Godwit, Red Knot, Northern Lapwing, European Golden Plover and Grey Plover. Wildfowl such as Eurasian Wigeon and Dark-bellied Brent Goose also use the lagoons and coastal grazing marsh in large numbers.

Rachel Fancy, RSPB Site Manager for Wallasea Island, said: "It was wonderful to record 38,000 wetland birds in our December 2023 survey at RSPB Wallasea Island, the highest-ever number for the reserve. It's an exciting sight to see the waders in such large numbers swirl around the marsh and lagoons.

"This really is thanks to the Wild Coast Project creating large-scale habitats on site, which shows that there is hope for restoring nature across England. Projects such as this are especially important right now as the world goes through a nature and climate crisis.

"Areas of Jubilee Marsh are around one metre above the current high tide level, providing safe roosting space for species as well as a refuge for those displaced from other sites as conditions change.

"It will be exciting to see what future bird surveys reveal about the reserve, although this record survey already shows how valuable Wallasea Island is for nature. It also highlights the power of people coming together to help nature, so we’d like to say a huge thank you to our wonderful surveyors who help us count the birds each year."

Parts of Jubilee Marsh were strategically elevated above the highest expected tide level, providing crucial high-tide roosts for birds. As sea levels rise due to climate change, this RSPB reserve's value to birds is set to grow further.

Wallasea Island is part of England's East Coast Wetlands, a varied network of coastal habitats which together hosts millions of migratory birds annually. These wetlands were also added to the UK's Tentative List of World Heritage sites last year.