A NEW area of wetland habitat for rare breeding birds is set to be created in north Lancashire after the RSPB won planning permission to develop a new reed bed close to its Leighton Moss reserve.
Lancaster City Council approved plans by the society to transform grassland to the northern end of Silverdale into a wetland habitat where bitterns can breed.
Although the land off Moss Road is not attached to the main landholding at Leighton Moss, the RSPB believes it is well placed to provide a "satellite" breeding area for the bitterns, which are nationally extremely rare.
The planning committee followed officer advice to approve the plans, which would help ensure the species' continued presence in North West England.
Senior warden Robin Horner said although the birds would probably be able to use the land to feed on, it might take five years or more before the reeds were well enough established for them to breed.
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