Norfolk Broads nature reserves awarded conservation grants

Norfolk Wildlife Trust has been awarded £244,098 for Hickling Broad

Two Norfolk nature reserves are to benefit from almost £500,000 from a nationwide fund.

RSPB's Sutton Fen and Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Hickling Broad reserves have both been awarded grants from WREN's Biodiversity Action Fund.

The money comes from a not-for-profit business that funds community, environment and heritage projects through landfill tax.

Sutton Fen has been awarded £246,030 and Hickling Broad has got £244,098.

At Sutton Fen the money will finance a five-year plan to restore and improve lowland fen.

Work will include creating 20 shallow turf pools and installing fencing to allow Highland cattle to be grazed.

'Significant impact'

At Hickling Broad, the money will be used for a long-term project to restore, extend and improve wetland habitats.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust will create 35 hectares (86 acres) of fen from grassland and restore a further 42 hectares (103 acres) of fen.

Erica Howe of the RSPB said: "The WREN Biodiversity Action Fund is highly important because it is enabling the RSPB to continue the restoration and maintenance of this diverse and species-rich lowland fen site."

Brendan Joyce, chief executive for Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said: "The funding will have a significant impact as it will allow us to restore prime wetland habitats on this important site.

"This will be of great benefit to wildlife, such as bitterns and cranes, but will also provide an even greater experience for the many people who visit and enjoy this wonderful place."