RSPB Scotland is helping to maintain local employment and traditions in Tayside by offering their special protection to the UK's largest reed-bed. They have taken a lease on 100 hectares of the Tay reed-bed and will work together with the local Tayreed Company, to preserve the scarce habitat for birds dependent on the state of the reed-beds.

Reed-beds once covered huge swathes of Britain but have been drained and improved for agriculture over many centuries. The scarce remnants - and the uniquely adapted species they are a home to - can provide an excellent example of how conservation and economic activity can work together. Reed-beds need to be cut or they tend to dry out and eventually become scrub or woodland, which is bad for their bird-life.  Research has shown that bird numbers are much higher in a regularly cut reed-bed.

Commenting on the acquisition of the new reserve, Bruce Anderson, RSPB Scotland Area Manager for Tayside and Fife, said: "15% of the reed-beds across the whole of the UK are to be found on the shores of the Firth of Tay. The reed-bed is home to rare wintering bitterns, spectacular marsh harriers, and is a vital stronghold of the reed bunting, numbers of which have been in steep decline in many parts of the UK."

Bruce added: "It will be a pleasure to work with the local Tayreed Company. They can help us to keep our area, which is not economically viable, in peak condition and we will help them to continue with their environmentally friendly management of the other 300 hectares of reed-bed where they make a living, cutting reed for thatchers to use."

Graham Craig of the Tayreed Company added: "We have been cutting reed on the Tay for many years, continuing a centuries old traditional livelihood. We already sell the highest quality reed in the UK for thatching, but there is an important new biofuel opportunity for the product as well. We have the equipment to keep the reed-beds properly cut and I look forward to a good, productive working partnership with RSPB Scotland."

For more information:

• RSPB Press Release