Broadland Reed and Sedge Harvesting Rejuvenation
Broads Reed and Sedge Cutters Association
Pictures - Broads Authority
This project supports the establishment of a new organisation - the Broads Reed and Sedge Cutters Association - that will help individual reed cutters to band together and look for cooperative solutions to the problems of their industry. The Broads' reed and sedge beds form an essential part of the local landscape and provide an internationally important wildlife habitat, which can support rare species like the elusive bittern. Conservation of these areas is dependent upon on periodic cutting of the reed and sedge, which traditionally has been harvested commercially to provide raw materials for the area's distinctive thatched buildings. In recent years, the reed and sedge industry has been in severe difficulty caused in part by imports and consequent low prices. Existing reed and sedge cutters have been unable to replace essential machinery whilst the industry has failed to attract newcomers to replace those who retire.
The most immediate step for the Association will be the purchase of new machinery that allows individual cutters to remain in employment. The Association will also help to improve members' earning potential outside of the reed and sedge cutting seasons. The project will include provision of training in other countryside management skills, e.g. chain-saw and brush cutter operation. The Association is also developing stronger links with the Broads Authority and other conservation organisations as part of its longer-term aim of improving promotion of commercial reed cutting. Closer working will maximise the benefits to conservation management from commercial cutting, whilst ensuring that the reed cutters are not inadvertently disadvantaged by conservation operations like dyke dredging.

Outputs

In addition to securing the jobs for the majority of the cutters the project will ensure the practical management of 300 hectares of land. The project therefore represents a cost effective way to achieve nature conservation aims, as well as providing local economic benefit. Grant awarded Broads & Rivers LEADER+ has provided £56,285 for capital and revenue costs, towards a total project cost of £87,285. Additional match funding has been provided by the Broads Authority's Sustainable Development Fund.

Contact

For further information, contact:

Paul Mace, Broadland Reed and Sedge Cutters Association, paul@crayfish1.freeserve.co.uk