Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust launches project to create new nature reserve at Bourne North Fen
A project is under way to turn an area of lost peatland into a new nature reserve.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust hopes to restore 50 hectares of lost peat-fenland at Bourne North Fen to create a wetland and a home for a wide variety of wildlife.
The trust hopes to buy the site, near Morton, from the farmer to proceed with the project, which will link up with existing nature reserves at Baston Fen and Willow Tree Fen in Spalding.
The trust’s senior communications officer Rachel Shaw said: “Making more space for nature to become abundant once again will give our struggling wildlife the chance to recover and also restore beautiful wild places - places that store carbon and help to tackle the climate crisis. Working with the landowners and other organisations, Bourne North Fen is a place where we can make this happen.
“Bourne North Fen is 50 hectares of low-lying privately-owned farmland, grazed wet grassland and arable cropping fields, which sits at the confluence of two rivers, the Glen and the Bourne Eau in South Lincolnshire.
“With the support of the landowner, the aim is to buy the site and restore the land to wet-fenland creating the heart of a new wetland.”
She said reed beds would be restored and new grasslands and ponds would be created.
Rachel added: “The design will help reduce flood risk by providing greater flood water storage capacity, ensure enhanced water quality through large scale reed filtration, and increase the capacity and flexibility of water resources for the environment, and a wide range of water consumers.”
The trust is working with South Lincolnshire Water Partnership, which represents the environment, public water supply, flood risk management, agriculture, business and tourism sectors.
The project is a pilot focused on improving water resource management and if it is a success, it could be replicated elsewhere.
The Bourne North Fen will be supported by The Wildlife Trust’s 30 by 30 appeal. To donate visit www.lincstrust.org.uk/30-30-30
