Work has begun on a major new wetland at the Great Fen nature reserve near Ramsey in Cambridgeshire, with diggers now reshaping former arable fields.
About 136 hectares of land at Speechly’s Farm will be restored over the next 12 months. The plans include four pools and around 2km of channels, which will fill with water and create new habitat for wildlife.
The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire says the project will support species including wading birds, water voles, otters, dragonflies and aquatic plants.
Building on an existing wetland
The work is part of the Great Fen vision, which began in 2000 and brings together the wildlife trust and other agencies to develop a connected wetland landscape.
About 25 hectares has already been restored at nearby New Decoy Farm, where waders and ducks are now using the site. The new project will greatly expand the available space for threatened species in Cambridgeshire.
The restoration is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Why it matters for Britain
The project will add 136 hectares of wetland habitat in England, helping support declining species while expanding a growing nature reserve landscape in Cambridgeshire.
