8 hours ago
Rare wetland birds flock back to Wicken fen within hours of restoration
Source: BBC
The National Trust has reported the rapid return of rare wetland birds, cranes and great egrets, just hours after completing a peatland restoration project at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire.
The restoration, which began a year ago, focused on re-wetting degraded peatlands that had previously been drained for agriculture. Despite being drained and degraded, Burwell Fen still held deep peat deposits from an ancient river, making it ideal for restoration. This major conservation effort aims to revive 590 acres (238 hectares) of lowland peat, a critical natural carbon store.
Wetland restoration helps wildlife and discovers a 5,000-year-old tree
By restoring these wetlands, the project helps reduce carbon emissions and create habitat for wildlife.
After raising the water levels, rare species such as spoonbills, curlews, and little ringed plovers quickly returned, showing the project's immediate positive impact. According to BBC reports,the restoration also led to an exciting archaeological discovery. A 5,000-year-old bog oak was unearthed at Spinney Bank, predating Stonehenge.
Tree-ring analysis showed the tree began growing in 2894 BC and lived for 222 years.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
"Discovering a tree that took root nearly 5,000 years ago is a humbling reminder of how much history is preserved in these ancient landscapes," said Mr Selway.
Wicket Fen's restoration project protects the nature
Though a suspected 17th-century cannonball turned out to be a 19th-century rollerball from a wind pump, the project remains the National Trust's largest lowland peat restoration to date. Emma Ormond-Bones, Wicken Fen's general manager, emphasized that the project not only supports wildlife recovery but also strengthens the landscape's resilience to future environmental challenges. This successful restoration at Wicken Fen offers hope for the future of wetland habitats, showcasing how careful conservation can quickly revive ecosystems and protect vital carbon stores.
Also Read |
47-million-year-old snake found may be the biggest ever, surpassing Titanoboa
