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3 December 2007
Sir John Major visits Great Fen Project
His visit marks a new phase in habitat restoration work
The Great Fen Project partners were pleased to welcome one of the project’s Patrons, Sir John Major, to the Great Fen Project area on Friday 30 November.
Sir John came to see recent developments on the project, and to mark the beginning of a new phase of habitat restoration on recently acquired farmland.
Sir John was given a guided tour of Woodwalton Fen to see the progress that has been made since his last visit in November 2005. Next he was shown Middle Farm where he heard the plans for its restoration, and was taken on a short tractor ride. Chris Gerrard, Great Fen Project manager, thanked those present and invited Sir John to say a few words to mark the opening of the new restoration work.
"What delights me as someone who has lived in the area a long time is seeing this land being brought back into traditional use. What we have here is absolutely magnificent; we are gong to see the past returning to life over the next few decades; we will see the land brought back into traditional use and all this wonderful wildlife return; it will also be good for future generations. Hopefully, it will still be there and developing in 100 years". He went on to say that the project provided "a unique, huge, quiet open space, providing a contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life".
Sir John met representatives from the funders who helped purchase Middle Farm – Grantscape, Communities and Local Government, Ramsey Area Partnership and Miss AC Martin Legacy Trust Fund. He discussed with the guests how the project will not only be good for wildlife, but contribute to the socio-economic development of Huntingdonshire.
Chris Gerrard said, “We were delighted to welcome Sir John to the project again. A lot has changed since his visit two years ago and he seemed really pleased to see how well we are progressing”.
Sir John seemed delighted, saying it had been an "enjoyable day" and how extraordinary it is to see how project has developed in the short time since his last visit. "Unique is a word that is used too frequently, but this really is a unique project and landscape". Sir John said he looked forward to returning again in a couple of years to see yet more progress.
Project partners acquired Middle Farm in 2006. The land lies in the heart of the project area, and is key in the project’s progress towards its vision of a 3,700-hectare fenland, safeguarding threatened habitats and providing a massive greenspace for people.
Chris Gerrard explained how the restoration work would happen: "The work on Middle Farm will be a gradual process of, raising water levels and creating grassland which will become rich wildlife over time. It will also help to buffer and protect the precious Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve, which is right next door”.
The restoration work will be carried out by the farmer who originally owned the land, Jonathan Papworth. Mr Gerrard expressed his gratitude for Mr Papworth’s management in this restoration work: “We are working very closely with Mr Papworth and are very grateful for all his help, advice and hard work”.
For more information on The Great Fen Project please visit www.greatfen.org.uk, email info@greatfen.org or call 01954 713500.