The influence of habitat management on the breeding success of the great bittern Botaurus stellaris in Britain

Published source details Gilbert G., Tyler G.A., Dunn C.J., Ratcliffe N. & Smith K.W. (2007) The influence of habitat management on the breeding success of the great bittern Botaurus stellaris in Britain. Ibis, 149, 53-66.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Mow or cut reedbeds Action Link
	Manage water level in wetlands Action Link

Mow or cut reedbeds

A replicated study in 1997-2001 in ten reedbed sites across England (Gilbert et al. 2007) investigated the impact of raising water levels in reedbeds on great bittern Botaurus stellaris breeding (see ‘Manage water levels in wetlands’). Reeds at sites with low water levels were cut in spring (March-April), compared with winter (completed by December) for high water level sites, but the effect of cutting was not specifically investigated. Male bitterns at low-water sites established territories later than on high-water sites, but sites did not differ in productivity.
Manage water level in wetlands

A replicated study in 1997-2001 in ten reedbed sites across England (Gilbert et al. 2007) found that male great bitterns Botaurus stellaris established territories significantly earlier in four sites with water levels maintained at 19-27 cm, compared to six with lower water levels (4-9 cm, four managed and four unmanaged). However, there was no effect on chick survival or overall productivity (1.3 chicks/female on high water sites vs. 1.2 on low water sites). Reeds at sites with low water levels were also cut in spring (March-April), compared with winter (completed by December) for high water level sites, but the effect of cutting was not specifically investigated.