Target Species for the Ouse Fen Nature Reserve at Needingworth in Huntingdonshire
As Hanson Aggregates extract sand and gravel for new human homes they will, over the next 30 years, hand over worked out sections of Needingworth Quarry to the RSPB and thus provide a habitat suitable for new homes for an extensive array of wildlife.
The fresh water reed bed will not only provide an attractive location for wetland birds but will also provide sanctuary for other rare and endangered species from the Otter and Water Vole to the Great Copper Butterfly.
Eurasian Otter (Lutra Lutra)
ater Vole (Arvicola terrestris)
However the greatest beneficiaries, other than humans, are likely to be wetland birds. Prior to the activities of the "Adventurers" and Vermuyden et al, the fen was home to enormous numbers of wild fowl and other wetland birds. Hopefully as the project proceeds we will see a return of many of the native specie that would have been familiar to our ancestors.
Bewick Swan |
Moorhen |
Bittern |
Mute swan |
Canada Goose |
Pintail |
Coot |
Pochard |
Cormorant |
Redshank |
Gadwall |
Ruddy duck |
Great crested grebe |
Shovelor |
Goldeneye |
Smew |
Greylag goose |
Snipe |
Lapwing |
Teal |
Little grebe |
Tufted duck |
Mallard |
Widgeon |