A NEW safe haven for wading birds has been created in Pershore.

Wychavon District Council and the Friends of Avon Meadows have completed a new phase of habitat improvement at Avon Meadows in Pershore with the creation of a series of shallow ponds.

Thanks to a grant of over £16,000, awarded by Severn Waste Services through their Severn Waste Environmental Fund, the shallow pools have been designed with scalloped edges to provide plenty of soft, muddy edges which many wading birds need in order to feed.

Islands between the pools will create a safe haven for these birds to rest and hopefully nest, as birds like lapwing, curlew and snipe all nest on the ground.

The area of the new scrape will be completely enclosed by reed fringed ditches, meaning nesting birds can be safe from disturbance and predators and as it sits in an area of very wet grassland it's ideally placed to hold water.

Liz Etheridge, the council’s Wetlands for All project officer, said: "This is a fantastic project for Avon Meadows. These shallow pools are designed to slowly dry out through the summer, but always have a little bit of water in them.

"They’re not only great for wading birds, but for dragonflies and all sorts of water-loving wildlife.

"Without the support of the Severn Waste Environmental Fund, none of this work would be possible. The benefits for wildlife will be brilliant, but it will also give local residents even more reason to come to Avon Meadows with even more birds and other wildlife to enjoy."

University of Worcester media student, Paul Attwood, has produced a series of aerial films and photos showing the wetlands and the work being done, which can be viewed on You Tube at tinyurl.com/nr3dggk.