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Project

Peatland Restoration Project

Aerial view of Burwell Fen
Aerial view of Burwell Fen | © John Miller

Learn more about the progress of Wicken Fen's ambitious project to restore 590 acres (239 hectares) of peatland.

Peatlands are earth's largest terrestrial carbon store, holding more than twice the amount of carbon than all the world's forests. The East Anglian Fens once covered a huge area of 3,800 square kilometres of deep peat, before being widely drained in the 17th century. Wicken Fen constists of one of the last remaining fragments of undrained fenland, of which only 1% remains, making the nature reserve a unique haven and one of the last refuges for a host of fenland species dependent on the peatland soils.

Without action, most remaining peat in the Fens could be lost within 30 years, emitting harmful carbon as it degrades. Across Wicken Fen, a project is afoot to restore peat, retaining rainwater and managing water tables. Keeping peatlands in a healthy, saturated state enables them to store carbon, help control flooding, reduce wildfire risk and drought, and provide important habitat for rare wildlife including waterbirds.

Footpath closure

Part of the project involves raising the water table in a low area on Burwell Fen, a palaeochannel (an ancient, extinct waterway). From 7th October 2024 to March 2025, the footpath across the middle of Burwell Fen will be closed while earthworks take place. This work involves digging clay to create a seal, which will hold water within the peat. The footpath diversion follows the cycle track between Burwell Lode and Reach Lode bridges (National Cycleway 11) and the lode-banks remain open.

Project partners

This £2 million project is predominately funded through DEFRA’s 'Nature for Climate' Peatland Grant Scheme (NCPGS) managed by Fens East Peatland Partnership (FEPP) lead partner; Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, with match funding from grants, philanthropy and corporate partners including Starling Bank and Anglian Water.

Project Progress

29 November

Relic river sands uncovered

Burwell Fen
The formation of the perimeter bund is now complete. A shallow channel, known as a swale, has been formed between the two palaeochannels (historic river channels). This has exposed some relic river sand and gravel, which would have been deposited in the post-glacial period.

Spinney Bank
The waterproof liner is now fully installed, and the area is being fenced off to allow the vegetation to recover.

Tubney Fen
Both bunds have now been installed. Work starts next week on the installation of water control structures to help manage water levels more effectively across the site.

Verrall’s Fen
The installation of new crossing points has been slightly delayed but will start next week. These will provide essential access to enable management of the fen.

A shallow area of yellow sand sat in a low area of a field with mud and grass on the sloping sides
Ancient river sands exposed on Burwell Fen | © National Trust/ Ellis Selway

Our partners

Starling Bank

We've partnered with Starling Bank to improve access to nature and fund vital conservation projects.

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