New Wetland Habitats Take Shape at Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve
For the past two weeks, Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve has been the site of some major earthworks as new wetland scrapes are created to improve the wetland habitat.
Scrapes are shallow depressions that hold water at varying levels throughout the seasons, providing an essential habitat for many species, from rare plants to waterfowl.
The works are part of a habitat improvement project led by the River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT), a grassroots charity dedicated to enhancing river ecosystems, and official approval was granted by the Environmental Agency.
These efforts aim to improve wetland habitats, benefiting fish, invertebrates, and other wildlife. Specifically, the project includes:
- Creating scrapes (shallow depressions) to enhance wetland connectivity and biodiversity.
- Improving brook substrates to support better water flow and reduce silt build-up.
- Installing in-stream habitat structures to manage low flows more effectively.
A Labour of Love
Whilst the earthworks currently look dramatic and damaging, they have been carried out at this time of year to have the least impact on ecology and enable nature to return the reserve to a beautiful green haven over the coming months.
The latest work is just one part of the ongoing habitat enhancement efforts at Cuttle Brook, in collaboration with the RTCT, the Environmental Agency, Cuttle Brook Conservation Volunteers and Thame Town Council.
Some of the volunteers have given 30+ years of time and dedication to make Cuttle Brook the beautiful reserve it is today. Thirty years ago, there were similar muddy scenes as the first pond was dugout – here is what it looks like today.
We Address Residents Concerns
Following the works on the Nature Reserve, Thame Town Council has heard from a number of residents concerned about the reasons and nature of these works.
Here, we answer some of the questions raised and provide some further information about the Nature Reserve and the partners involved in its upkeep and ongoing development.
What is the purpose of this work?
The creation of more ‘scrapes’ to improve wetland habitat linking them to our existing fish refuges. Work also includes:
- improvements to the substrate of stretches of the brook to improve flows and to help fish and invertebrates;
- in-stream habitat structures to manage low-flows better so that there is less silt deposited and more natural scour.
Who authorised the current soil relocation project?
The works were arranged and funded by the River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT), a grassroots charity that operates throughout the River Thame catchment, its tributaries and other neighbouring catchments.
RTCT is undertaking these works to improve river habitat of the Cuttle Brook, including sections through the Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve and Rycote Meadow. Following the successful acquisition of the Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) and funding to cover the work.
Official approval for the work was granted by the Environmental Agency. A FRAP was submitted by RTCT and approved in August 2024 (Permit No EPR/WB3752GM).
RTCT work in partnership with Cuttle Brook Volunteers who created the Nature Reserve over 30 years ago and manage it on behalf of Thame Town Council.
What is the intended purpose of the soil mound?
The soil removed to create the scrapes was moved out of the flood plain to a higher point on the Nature Reserve and the soil mound spread out, reducing the height. Vegetation will naturally re-grow over it. Thame Town Council will monitor this and intervene with seeding, if required.
Is the mound intended to be a temporary or permanent structure?
The mound was only piled up while the works were completed, a small rise in the ground height is expected to remain.
What is the total cost of this work, and how is it being funded?
Because the Council have not funded this project, we do not know the total cost of the works, but it was funded totally through the RTCT (charity).
Was planning permission obtained, and if so, when and by whom?
Planning permission was not required, but a FRAP was. This was granted by the Environmental Agency in August 2024.
Why have you created stagnant ponds?
Both scrapes link to the Cuttle Brook allowing the water to flow and rise and fall as the other watercourses and rivers do. Scrape 2 has a culvert (pipe) which links it to the Cuttle Brook.
Why can the soil not be used for the proposed bund at the lower point of the Nature Reserve?
This is a separate project to the bund, which does require planning permission. The soil removed for this project does not have the correct qualities to form a bund.
Why were we not told about the works?
Through our weekly newsletter and social media posts we have included information about the works – going back to December 2024 when we circulated information about a review of the Strategy for the NR which included information about the plans.
The latest Cuttle Brook strategy can be viewed here. As we had been made aware of the timings of the works by the contractor (which were led by weather conditions) we updated our media channels and Newsletter.
Future Plans
As the scrapes are some distance from homes, they are not expected to affect any properties or residents other than the short-term closure of paths.
Investigation and planning regarding flood defences for those affected directly by water levels in the Nature Reserve are ongoing (although not directly linked to this work). The Council has been, and will continue to be, in touch with those neighbours directly affected once we have details to share with them.
Thame Town Council is planning an in-person update regarding flood elevation and would be happy to include wider neighbours of Cuttle Brook, this will include a representative from the RTCT. Once we have a date for this, we will circulate more details to the residents.