Natural England - Great Fen Project
Great Fen Project
4 March 2010
Woodwalton Fen and Holme Fen National Nature Reserves are the final remnants of the last great East Anglian wetland, which was drained in the mid-19th century.
We have made great strides in protecting the internationally important wildlife here, but in order for these areas to function more naturally, we need to undertake conservation not site by site but at a landscape-scale.
A partnership was established in 2001 to create an enveloping landscape of 3,700 ha around the existing NNRs – The Great Fen Project. It aims not only to connect existing reserves to create a very large site with conservation benefits for wildlife, but also to help address the increased need for flood protection in the area for 70,000 ha of farmland, together with local homes and businesses. It will also create socio-economic benefits for people including much increased local community involvement and opportunities for access and recreation.
To date, some 60% of the required land has been aquired by the Wildlife Trust and by Natural England, although some of this may remain in arable production for some years to come. Natural England is working with the other partners and with local farmers on the land to establish pasture which is grazed and cut for hay, in the first steps to establishing the new wetland. New trails and signs are being established to help people enjoy the area. Many volunteers are involved and we always welcome new applications.
This is a long-term project managed in partnership by the Environment Agency, Huntingdonshire District Council, Middle Level Commissioners, Natural England and the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough.
Find out more
Find out more about the Great Fen plans for the future, including:
New footpaths and cyclepaths
Visitor centre and facilities
Activity areas
Visit the Great Fen website to find out more.
