Lyth Valley

Today's the day ………………………….. to revert

This is the view from Helsington looking south-westwards across the Lyth Valley to the Kent Estuary.  The hill on the horizon to the left is Arnside Knott - beloved of Knottman2 - and you can just about make out the dotted line of the viaduct that carries the railway over the estuary.

At one time, this whole area that you can see of the Lyth Valley would have been marshland.  Then, it was decided to drain it and turn it into agricultural land as much of it still is today.  Those bright green fields are kept artificially free of water by pumping it into drainage channels.  You can imagine the cost of this?

But as you can see directly below, there is an area belonging to the National Trust where the pumps have been switched off - and the land has been allowed to revert to its natural state.  The creation of a new wetland area has breathed new wildlife into Park End Moss. Eventually they hope that the project will benefit a variety of species including otters, dragonflies and eels, as well as many migrant birds.  Already more than 100 species of bird, including Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting, have been recorded and the place is really starting to come into its own.  The site is in close proximity to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve, so eventually they hope to attract breeding bitterns to the site.

It was certainly looking good today under blue skies …………………….