 Ben Hall (RSPB Images)
Sutton Fen is one of the finest examples of unpolluted valley fen in Western Europe
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Reserve purchase brings RSPB tally to 200
19-12-2006
The RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) has announced the purchase of its 200th nature reserve.
Sutton Fen in the Norfolk Broads countryside is one of the finest examples of an unpolluted valley fen in Western Europe and one of the most important nature conservation sites in the UK, home to a stunning array of birds, insects and plants.
Great Bitterns Botaurus stellaris, Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosus, Garganey Anas querquedula and Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti are among the birds which flourish in the area, alongside a nationally important population of insects, including Norfolk Hawker Anaciaeschna isosceles dragonflies and Swallowtail butterflies Papilio machaon.
Common Cranes Grus grus are known to have bred nearby and the RSPB hopes they can be encouraged to use the site in the future. The fen is also a haven for plants once found all across the Broads but now restricted to this one site.
Graham Wynne, RSPB chief executive, said: “We are delighted that Sutton Fen is our 200th reserve. The chance to give long term protection to a site as magnificent as this only comes along once in a generation.
“Sadly, such sites are becoming increasingly rare, so it is wonderful to have the opportunity to look after what is nothing less than a national treasure.”
The landmark purchase was made possible by the generosity of supporters, plus two charitable grants.
"Sadly, such sites are becoming increasingly rare, so it is wonderful to have the opportunity to look after what is nothing less than a national treasure" —Graham Wynne, RSPB Chief Executive
Further work being undertaken by the RSPB includes the creation of a huge new wetland along the Ribble estuary in Lancashire. Work will begin in March to re-flood 170 hectares of farmland at Hesketh Out Marsh, which was reclaimed from the sea 25 years ago.
The result will be a mix of saltmarsh, saline lagoons and muddy creeks, providing a wetland haven for thousands of wintering birds such as Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa, Dunlins Calidris alpina, Pied Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta, Common Redshanks Tringa totanus and Eurasian Wigeons Anas penelope. Sea level rise means the UK’s saltmarsh is vanishing at the rate of 100 hectares a year. As well as helping to replace this lost habitat, the new marsh at Hesketh will also act as a natural flood defence.
The land has been bought thanks to funding from Environment Agency and the Northwest Regional Development Agency through the Lancashire Rural Recovery Action Plan.
Another project is being undertaken at the 380-hectare Saltholme site near the mouth of the River Tees in north east England.
The RSPB is working with the Teesside Environmental Trust to transform the former industrial site into a new kind of nature reserve which is expected to attract 100,000 visitors expected every year, and become one of the largest tourist attractions in the region, offering people the chance to get close to nature.
It is hoped new species of birds like Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Avocet will join more familiar wildlife such as kingfishers, swans, herons, butterflies and dragonflies.
An iconic ‘Wild Bird Discovery Centre’ will be at the heart of the site, providing a family-friendly experience of wildlife, and facilities for recreation, education and local community activities.