Natural England

Woodwalton Fen and Holme Fen National Nature Reserves are the final remnants of the last great East Anglian wetland, which was drained in the mid-19th century. In order for these areas to function more naturally, we need to undertake conservation not site by site but at a landscape-scale.

A partnership was established in 2001 to create an enveloping landscape of 3,600 ha around the existing NNRs – The Great Fen Project. It aims not only to connect existing reserves to create a very large site with conservation benefits for wildlife, but also to help address the increased need for flood protection in the area for 70,000 ha of farmland, together with local homes and businesses. It will also create socio-economic benefits for people including much increased local community involvement and opportunities for access and recreation.

This is a long-term project managed in partnership by the Environment Agency, Huntingdonshire District Council, Middle Level Commissioners, Natural England and the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough.