Management works at Akrotiri Marsh have been completed

17 November 2016

The Darwin project for the restoration of Akrotiri Marsh has managed to break the wall of reeds at Akrotiri Marsh to create suitable habitat for wildlife. The on site management works for the creation of suitable habitat for target bird species has been perhaps one of the most important activities of the project and these have been successfully completed in early November. The works included ditch dredging, installation of water control structures and creation of open water areas. Seven pools have been created, mainly to attract breeding Ferruginous ducks, as Akrotiri Marsh is one of the few breeding sites for this important species in Cyprus. One scrape has also been created to attract mainly breeding Black-winged Stilts and Spur-winged Lapwings, both Annex I species. The habitat creation is also expected to benefit the nesting of Little Bittern, also an Annex I species and an occasional breeder to Cyprus while Akrotiri Marsh is one of the few recorded breeding sites for this heron species.

The RSPB / BirdLife in the UK with many years of experience in habitat creation and nature reserves management has been closely supervising works in collaboration with BirdLife Cyprus during the four weeks of management works on site.

The location of most of the new habitat features has been matched with the location of the two birdwatching hides that will soon be created on site as part of the Darwin project. The project has also created two walkways that will channel visitors to the hides. A parking area near the east hide was also surfaced to enable visitors to park and then walk to the hide.

In case of further information please contact the Project Coordinator on melpo.apostolidou@birdlifecyprus.org.cy

Akrotiri Marsh

Akrotiri marsh (also known as Fassouri marsh/reedbed) is part of the unique Akrotiri wetland complex at the Akrotiri Peninsula in Limassol district. The site lies within the Cyprus Sovereign Base Area and is also a state land.

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