24/03/2011image expired

A ‘groudbreaking’ new scheme launched by the RSPB will see conservationists and farmers in the fenlands working together to preserve wetland habitats and implement agri-environmental farm management.

The fenlands, which cover over 3000km² in East Anglia, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, preserve more than 29,000ha of farmland from flooding. However, there is a pressing need for regeneration as drainage started in the 1600s has led to the loss of 97 per cent of the original fenland habitat, threatening local wildlife and livelihoods. Nevertheless, pockets of the area remain amongst the richest places for wildlife in the country.

RSPB Media Assistant, Rachel Murray, said the new 'Futurescape' project will “save great places for nature and put back vital habitats that have been lost, by working with a range of partners including conservation and non-conservation organisations and landowners and farmers.” The project’s principal objectives are to create new and inter-connected areas of wetland and reedbed habitat, to protect threatened species and to help farmers integrate the needs of farm wildlife with those of their business.

The Fens are also home to some of the UK's most productive farmland, comprising over half of the country's Grade 1 agricultural land. The region supports in excess of 27,000 people in employment. However, without significant investment, the remaining pockets of land will diminish in size and quality, seriously threatening the iconic landscape and its inhabitants.

Rachel Murray explained what the scheme would mean for the region’s farmers, “As part of the Fens Futurescape project, The RSPB will help farmers to access financial support from government agri-environment schemes to implement nature-friendly farm management.” The RSPB has reported great successes from previous work with farmers in the area, such as the RSPB Fenland Farmland Bird Recovery Project, run jointly with Natural England, which currently has over 80 farmers involved in the protection of rare birds and other wildlife in partenership with the Society.