Water system helps attract rare birdlife

A PIONEERING piece of technology is helping to control the water flow from the sea into a nature reserve, which is already attracting rare species of bird.

The prototype of the self-regulating tidal gate at Black Hole Marsh, in East Devon, will automatically control the amount of sea water which can be allowed in, without any risk of flooding.

The reserve, part of the Axe Estuary Wetland Project, is being created behind existing flood defences, so it is crucial that systems are in place to ensure the land is safe from the threat of the sea.

The gate, which was funded by the Environment Agency at a cost of around £20,000, will automatically close if there is any surge of water, caused by severe weather or high tides.

Mike Williams, from the Environment Agency, said: "The absolutely vital thing about this piece of technology is that it will create suitable habitat for birds and wildlife, but without jeopardising flood defences."

The gate works through a valve which rotates by a float, which rises and falls with the tide. At preset points, the valve opens to let water in to the artificial lagoon within the reserve, but, crucially, it will immediately close if there is a surge of water.

The reserve is not yet open to the public, but it has already attracted a range of rare birds, including a pectoral sandpiper and six glossy ibis.

Limited access is expected over the coming months, with the facility opening next summer.