Reedbeds are a part of the succession from open water to carr and scrub. In order to slow the process, traditional cutting and removal are usually deployed. It is not always easy, however, to cut a sufficient amount annually to have an impact on succession. Results of the ‘Bringing Reedbeds to Life’ audit on 35 reedbeds (see BW 25: 1–10) highlighted the importance of maintaining the full range of successional stages in order to maximise the wildlife benefits.