New wetland gets thumbs up from people and wildlife
Wildlife enthusiasts and families visiting the East of England this winter took advantage of the new wetlands created at WWT Welney Wetland Centre.
Over 550 people went out on guided walks across this new habitat in search of wetland birds and mammals; whilst at the same time being able to learn more about this habitats’ creation and the need for this type of project.
Leigh Marshall, Centre Manager at WWT Welney said:
‘The stars of the walks were undoubtedly the hares which have taken advantage of this protected site. People couldn’t believe how close they were getting to these normally skittish mammals and the quantity of hares that were observed.
‘The volunteers that lead our walks get great enjoyment out of taking people onto this area, which is not normally accessible to the public. For those who didn’t want to venture out into the cold, the visitor centre provided the perfect vantage point to watch all the action.
‘The new wetlands have also been brilliant for wildlife with 5,000 wigeon grazing the grasses, flocks of lapwing and golden plovers filling the skies every time a peregrine falcon flew through and water voles in all the waterways.’
Peter Cox, Managing Director of WREN said:
‘Through the Biodiversity Action Fund we’re supporting projects that will enhance, restore and revive some of the UK’s most precious habitats, providing a safe haven for British nature and wildlife.
‘The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust has restored a valuable wetland habitat at Welney. The project has had a really positive impact for many species of wildlife as well as the enjoyment of visitors to the reserve.’
This area of land will become really important for breeding birds and their young over the spring and summer. Visitors are able to watch this area from the vantage point of the visitor centre during this time from 9.30am – 5pm daily.
This new wetland habitat, collectively called Lady Fen, was created last year thanks to a partnership project between Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN), the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) and the Environment Agency. WREN is a not for profit business which awards grants to community, environmental and heritage projects across the UK from funds donated by FCC Environment to the Landfill Communities Fund.
