The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds project at Lakenheath Fen Nature Reserve
The Fens offer the greatest potential of any single area in the UK for wetland restoration. Over the next 20 years, the RSPB is aiming to restore some 5,000 ha of wetlands in the Fens and make a significant contribution to the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan targets for threatened habitats (reed bed, lowland wet grassland) and bird species (bittern). Lakenheath Fen Nature Reserve - located in the Little Ouse corridor - is a key element of this vision.
The RSPB acquired Lakenheath Fen in 1995, with the aim of turning carrot fields into a major new area of wet reed bed. The large-scale habitat works - ongoing since 1995 - are now, in the main, complete. Major excavations and ground work have established the necessary infrastructure to turn 267 hectares of arable land into reed fen.
Eight years on and it is hard to imagine that Lakenheath Fen was once just carrot fields. So far, over 250,000 reeds have been planted and have really taken hold. 20km of channels and pools have been created and a wealth of wildlife is making full use of this wetland haven, including a range of reed bed bird species, plus a variety of mammals, invertebrates and fenland plants.
How has TEN helped?
Involvement in the TEN partnership is enabling the delivery of important habitat work: the reprofiling of drains and channels, the erection of fencing to allow grazing of certain fens, the development of new pools and open water areas and the removal and management of some of the trees on the site have all benefited from this funding.
Lakenheath Fen not only offers a wetland paradise for birds and other wildlife, but also a wonderful landscape asset for people in the region, and as such, the site is now entering the next phase of its development. Infrastructure to enable visitors to access and enjoy this special place is being put in place and some of the first elements in this programme of work (e.g. signage on the new visitor trail) have benefited from TEN funding. The RSPB's vision for Lakenheath Fen is to have a site that attracts 60,000 visitors per year by 2015.
Therefore, over the next few years, the development of facilities for visitors will form an important part of the team's work programme.
The benefits of wetland creation at Lakenheath Fen
For the natural environment since the RSPB's acquisition of Lakenheath Fen, the natural landscape has changed dramatically and nature has responded fantastically well. Over the next few years, the reed bed will continue to mature and the open water, wet grazing marsh and poplar plantations will collectively provide an exciting wildlife experience. A number of UK BAP habitats and species will be protected by the activities proposed in this project, including reed bed, lowland wet grassland and bittern. Many other threatened species will also be helped such as marsh harrier, turtle dove, skylark, spotted flycatcher, reed bunting, corn bunting (all red list species), plus reed and sedge warbler.
For the social environment by restoring the habitat that once defined the character of the Fens, the RSPB is providing new opportunities for people to enjoy their natural and cultural heritage. As the visitor infrastructure develops, so too will the opportunities for group visits, family events, education programmes and outreach work.
The support of local people is an essential ingredient in the long-term sustainability of the site and volunteers have played a key role in the development of Lakenheath Fen since its acquisition in 1995. Last year saw 40 volunteers donating around 400 hours of time, predominantly helping with reed planting and habitat work.
For the local economy - it is well documented that wildlife and landscapes attract visitors who spend money in the area and in the Eastern England region. The RSPB has already witnessed the positive impact that well managed nature reserves can have on the local economy. The survey 'Valuing Norfolk's Coast' estimated that the average spend per visitor to heritage and conservation sites along this coast was £14.86 per day. Based on this type of research it is clear to see that Lakenheath Fen offers exciting opportunities for local leisure and tourism.
The Fens offer the greatest potential of any single area in the UK for wetland restoration. Over the next 20 years, the RSPB is aiming to restore some 5,000 ha of wetlands in the Fens and make a significant contribution to the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan targets for threatened habitats (reed bed, lowland wet grassland) and bird species (bittern). Lakenheath Fen Nature Reserve - located in the Little Ouse corridor - is a key element of this vision.
The RSPB acquired Lakenheath Fen in 1995, with the aim of turning carrot fields into a major new area of wet reed bed. The large-scale habitat works - ongoing since 1995 - are now, in the main, complete. Major excavations and ground work have established the necessary infrastructure to turn 267 hectares of arable land into reed fen.
Eight years on and it is hard to imagine that Lakenheath Fen was once just carrot fields. So far, over 250,000 reeds have been planted and have really taken hold. 20km of channels and pools have been created and a wealth of wildlife is making full use of this wetland haven, including a range of reed bed bird species, plus a variety of mammals, invertebrates and fenland plants.
How has TEN helped?
Involvement in the TEN partnership is enabling the delivery of important habitat work: the reprofiling of drains and channels, the erection of fencing to allow grazing of certain fens, the development of new pools and open water areas and the removal and management of some of the trees on the site have all benefited from this funding.
Lakenheath Fen not only offers a wetland paradise for birds and other wildlife, but also a wonderful landscape asset for people in the region, and as such, the site is now entering the next phase of its development. Infrastructure to enable visitors to access and enjoy this special place is being put in place and some of the first elements in this programme of work (e.g. signage on the new visitor trail) have benefited from TEN funding. The RSPB's vision for Lakenheath Fen is to have a site that attracts 60,000 visitors per year by 2015.
Therefore, over the next few years, the development of facilities for visitors will form an important part of the team's work programme.
The benefits of wetland creation at Lakenheath Fen
For the natural environment since the RSPB's acquisition of Lakenheath Fen, the natural landscape has changed dramatically and nature has responded fantastically well. Over the next few years, the reed bed will continue to mature and the open water, wet grazing marsh and poplar plantations will collectively provide an exciting wildlife experience. A number of UK BAP habitats and species will be protected by the activities proposed in this project, including reed bed, lowland wet grassland and bittern. Many other threatened species will also be helped such as marsh harrier, turtle dove, skylark, spotted flycatcher, reed bunting, corn bunting (all red list species), plus reed and sedge warbler.
For the social environment by restoring the habitat that once defined the character of the Fens, the RSPB is providing new opportunities for people to enjoy their natural and cultural heritage. As the visitor infrastructure develops, so too will the opportunities for group visits, family events, education programmes and outreach work.
The support of local people is an essential ingredient in the long-term sustainability of the site and volunteers have played a key role in the development of Lakenheath Fen since its acquisition in 1995. Last year saw 40 volunteers donating around 400 hours of time, predominantly helping with reed planting and habitat work.
For the local economy - it is well documented that wildlife and landscapes attract visitors who spend money in the area and in the Eastern England region. The RSPB has already witnessed the positive impact that well managed nature reserves can have on the local economy. The survey 'Valuing Norfolk's Coast' estimated that the average spend per visitor to heritage and conservation sites along this coast was £14.86 per day. Based on this type of research it is clear to see that Lakenheath Fen offers exciting opportunities for local leisure and tourism.
United Kingdom
Norfolk and Suffolk
