Minister backs wetland project

THE Government’s rural affairs minister, the Rt Hon. Alun Michael MP, has given his seal of approval to the Hanson–RSPB Needingworth wetland project –– a joint initiative to create the UK’s largest man-made reed bed at Needingworth Quarry, near Cambridge.

Over the next 30 years the sand and gravel quarry will be restored to create a 700ha nature reserve which will make a major contribution to key government biodiversity targets and restore some of the lost wetland heritage of the Fens.

The site, which will be known as the Ouse Fen Nature Reserve, will be progressively donated to the RSPB as quarrying is completed. The first reed beds are expected to be planted in 2004.

Funding for the project has been secured with a £1 million grant from the Hanson Environment Fund, which was presented to the RSBP by Hanson’s chairman, Chris Collins.

Speaking at the London launch of the project, Alun Michael said: ‘Hanson’s partnership with the RSPB shows the importance of industry and conservation groups working together to help achieve government biodiversity targets. This project alone will assist the Government in achieving 40% of its target for reed bed creation.’

Chris Collins commented: ‘This project is about vision, responsibility and partnership –– a vital industry working hand in hand with a leading conservation organization and planners to make a significant contribution to habitat creation.’

Graham Wynne, chief executive of the RSPB, added: ‘This far-sighted project has the potential to double the current UK population of bittern from 30 to 60 pairs. We also anticipate attracting significant numbers of other nationally scarce species such as the marsh harrier, bearded tit and otter.’