What’s new?
22 December 2005
Birds flock to the Fens
The Great Fen Project area attracts welcomed wildlife
The Great Fen Project area in Cambridgeshire is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife, with an impressive list of rare plants and animals. The two existing National Nature Reserves in the project area, Woodwalton Fen and Holme Fen, are both recognised for the diversity of species they support.
Recently, at Woodwalton Fen a hen harrier has been spotted on several occasions. Alan Bowley, site manager of Woodwalton and Holme Fens said: “Hen harriers used to roost in good numbers at the reserve, but this is the first time in several years that we have seen any here”.
Woodwalton has also had parties of siskins living in the alder, and a merlin has been seen in recent weeks. The rare bittern has been seen and heard booming at both Woodwalton and Holme Fens in the past few months, and wildfowl including wigeon, gadwall and teal are found on the meres at both sites.
A marsh harrier has also been seen unexpectedly, as these have usually migrated for warmer parts by this time of year, however, with the changing climate in this country, are now found wintering on the Norfolk coast.
The Great Fen Project will restore 37 square kilometres of fenland between Peterborough and Huntingdon, reconnecting the existing nature reserves and creating a haven for wildlife and people. The wetland will safeguard threatened habitats and wildlife, and provide for leisure, tourism and business. With larger habitats to support wildlife populations, a greater variety of birds and animals will be found here in the coming years.
The Great Fen Project is a partnership between the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough, English Nature, the Environment Agency and Huntingdonshire District Council. For more information please email info@greatfen.org.uk