20 Wetland Futures Report 2013: The Value of Healthy Wetlands
The Great Fen project: the multiple benefits of wetland restoration
Kate Carver, Great Fen project manager
The Great Fen is situated in Cambridgeshire where
there is substantial population growth and development.
Historically the East Anglian fens supported rich
biodiversity and sustained people through fishing, wild
fowling, eel catching, reed, sedge and willow cutting,
and leisure such as regattas and ice skating. Drainage
for agriculture has resulted in the loss of 99% of the
East Anglian fens and a resulting loss of biodiversity. The
process of land drainage opened up fenland to peat blow
and oxidation and the depth of peat is reducing year
on year. The Holme post was buried level with the peat
surface at the time of drainage at Whittlesey Mere. The
post is now 16 feet above ground level. In some areas
peat is estimated to disappear within 50 years. In some
areas peat can be stabilized by re-wetting.
Suitable habitat for wildlife is decreasing with limited
connectivity and within an intensively cultivated arable
land. Small remnants of natural, semi natural fen have
survived, two being Holme Fen and Woodwalton Fen
(now National Nature Reserves). The Great Fen project
arose out of desire to protect those two fragile survivors,
to buffer them and in time link them, creating a bigger,
better, more joined up landscape; a living landscape for
wildlife and people.
The Great Fen project aims to transform an area of 3,700
hectares of land by creating a nationally important wetland
linking the two fens. It is a long term vision designed to
take place over 50 to 100 years. There are now 985 ha in
restoration (27%) and the total area managed for nature
conservation covers 1459 ha with the project partnership
owning 55.5% of project area. However, ownership may
not necessarily bring control due to tenancies.
The aims of the project are to:
•
Natural and Historic Environment
To create a new resilient fenland landscape delivering
sustainable wildlife and heritage benefits and
improving biodiversity.
•
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
To plan, design and manage the Great Fen to
benefit climate change adaptation and mitigation
through providing valuable connecting habitat and
preventing the release of thousands of tonnes of
CO2. In addition the habitat restoration increases
water storage capacity to help with flood attenuation
protecting homes and businesses.
•
Social
To create an accessible, inspiring and tranquil
environment for recreation, education, health and
wellbeing
•
Economic
To contribute to diversification and development of
the local economy, consistent with environmental and
social objectives. The project provides opportunities
include farming and tourism, training, apprenticeships
and volunteering, jobs, contracts, goods and services.
photo: Richard Taylor-Jones
Great crested grebes displaying
