Hilgay Wetland Creation

This exciting project is a partnership between the Environment Agency (EA) and Norfolk Wildlife Trust, to develop a former arable site at Hilgay, West Norfolk, into a brand new wetland nature reserve.

The site, on the banks of the River Wissey, has been purchased by the EA to accommodate a new reedbed as a long-term replacement for the reedbed at NWT Cley Marshes, which is expected to become unsuitable for breeding bitterns as a result of sea-level rise. Wetland design will be geared around the topography of the site, so the new reserve will contain a mosaic of reedbed, open water (to help keep the reedbed wet all year round) and wet grassland. The site will provide a new focus for wildlife in the area and the wildlife interest is expected to develop rapidly; hopefully attracting marsh harriers, water voles, otters and bitterns, among others.

Subject to securing all approvals, construction is planned to begin in autumn 2007. Once created, the wetland will require careful water level management and parts of it will be grazed. NWT is hoping that this new foothold at the edge of the Fens will lead to further partnerships with landowners in the area.