More than 99.9 per cent of the fenland that once covered East Anglia has now been drained, resulting in the loss of countless plant and animal species.
Wicken Fen is one of the last remaining areas of fenland in Britain, providing a vital habitat for endangered species such as the bittern, Emperor Butterfly and otter.
Draining fenland means losing habitats
Wicken Fen was our first ever nature reserve. Just two acres were purchased in 1901. Since then it has expanded to incorporate 1,350 acres of wetland, but unfortunately surrounding areas have been drained to make way for agricultural farming.
It is now completely surrounded by intensively farmed fields, which means that the nutrients and water required to sustain the fen are gradually draining away. The only way that we can secure its future is to make it bigger.
Our vision
To safeguard Wicken Fen, we have embarked on a 100 year vision to expand the reserve by 1,000 per cent. The aim is to do this by purchasing surrounding farmland as and when it becomes available and carefully restore it to fenland. This process began in 2001 with the acquisition of Burwell Farm, which is now being lovingly restored to wetland.
Why we need your help
We need to create a ‘fighting fund’ so that we can respond quickly to future land acquisition opportunities. Any gifts you give today will be spent on the acquisition and restoration of land surrounding Wicken Fen as it becomes available.
A donation of just £30 could pay for a piece of land the size of an average back garden and return it to fenland.
|
