Donations
If you would like to make a donation to the Great Fen Project, please contact Jane Cabutti, the Campaign Manager, on 01954 713500
Frequently asked questions
Will there be an increase in flooding risk?
No. This project would not get off the ground if it raised the risk of flooding in the fens and beyond. Indeed, the project may increase flood storage and therefore further safeguard land and property.
Woodwalton Fen has a barrier bank around it and is used to store floodwater at times of high flow in the Middle Level System. This is causing problems for the reserve and, because the site is protected at a European level, these problems need to be addressed. A solution would be the creation of an alternative flood storage area within the Great Fen. This would have to be of at least equal volume to the current provision, but could hold even more water, further safeguarding the area.
Instead of removing this water as soon as the threat of flooding has lifted, we propose to keep some of this water to provide wildlife benefits and an amenity resource.
The great floods that tragically affected the fens in the past were caused by breaches in the main drains. The damage was widespread because these drains sit well above the level of the land. The Great Fen Project will not affect these watercourses. Indeed the project will continue to use the drainage infrastructure, in the same way that the land is currently drained.
The project will not be creating large areas of open water; rather it will be raising the level of water in the ground. Once the desired height has been reached, pumping will then remove excess water if necessary.
