New Species-rich Grassland
The aim of the project was to increase biodiversity and create 7.3 hectares of species-rich grassland on a field adjacent to Wilbraham Fen SSSI. The project sought to extend the area of high-quality habitat beyond the current SSSI, establishing a range of native wildflowers typical of lowland meadows and fens. This will support invertebrate populations and provide additional foraging areas for species such as Common Crane and farmland birds.
The neighbouring Wilbraham Fen site suffers at times from being too dry, a result of depressed water levels linked to wider abstraction problems around Cambridge. The habitat creation will be a step towards addressing this issue. The initial habitats are likely to be wildflower grassland, though there may be potential to re-wet part of the field in the future and move from dry grassland to marshy grassland or fen habitat.
Before: The site adjacent to Wilbraham Fen was improved grassland (low species diversity).
Lowland fen can provide foraging areas for species such as Brown Hare.
| Dates | 2021-2023 |
| Status | Complete |
| Area of habitat created or improved | 7.3 ha |
| Location | Adjacent to Wilbraham Fen SSSI The field is not accessible to the public but can be viewed from the adjacent Long Drove public right of way. |
Partners and Funders
Funded by: Natural England’s Nature Recovery Programme.
