A scrape is similar to a pond except that it is shallower and may dry up in summer. The muddy margins are really important at providing insect-rich areas where birds can feed. At Fremington Local Nature Reserve the management committee ((Biosphere, North Devon Council and Fremington Parish Council) have created a new scrape to improve the wildlife value of Lovell’s Field. The funding was from a section 106 agreement from the adjacent development. Guidance from the RSPB was followed for the design of the scrape and the work was carried out by a local contractor.
The muddy margins support high densities of non-biting midge larvae, aquatic insects and, around the edges, earthworms. These are important food for wading birds, like lapwings and redshanks, and for wader chicks. Two days after the scrape was completed a dragonfly was seen investigating the perimeter of the scrape.
The muddy margins support high densities of non-biting midge larvae, aquatic insects and, around the edges, earthworms. These are important food for wading birds, like lapwings and redshanks, and for wader chicks. Two days after the scrape was completed a dragonfly was seen investigating the perimeter of the scrape.