Did you know
The Great Fen area was the last substantial area of the fenland basin to be drained, as late as 1850
Woodwalton Fen Wildlife
Plants
There are over 400 species of plant found in the reserve. Many of these are native to the site and, whilst once widespread in the region, are now confined to those few wetlands where suitable conditions persist. Other species at Woodwalton Fen have either been planted recently from stock imported from elsewhere in Britian, or are foreign species introduced by naturalists earlier in the 20th-century.
The rare Fen violet and Fen woodrush are both native to Woodwalton Fen and can be found in the marshy grassland areas alongside more common plants such as the Ragged robin, Lesser spearwort and Marsh pea. Collectively these plants create blankets of purple, yellow and white during the summer months. On the remnants of the ancient acid peat, Bog myrtle and Purple moor grass can be found.
Of the other British fen plants found at Woodwalton Fen the tall marsh sow thistle is particularly important. Of the non-native British plants, the broad-leaved ragwort and the sunflower (Bucthalmum speciosum) are notable examples. These were planted by Charles Rothschild, who originally purchased the site, to increase the number of nectar sources for insects.
Invertebrates
Almost every invertebrate group on the fen includes species which are rare or restricted to local areas. This is often because their foodplants or the habitat itself has become scarce. Over 800 beetles have been recorded in the reserve and of these nearly 200 are rare in Britain. In addition to many species of butterfly, the reserve supports around 1,000 types of moth including several rarities such as the Marsh carpet moth, and almost half the species of dragonfly found in Britain, including unusuals ones such as Scarce chaser and White legged damselfly.
Birds
The variety of vegetation attracts many birds that breed or visit during winter. Long-eared owls have been encouraged to nest by the provision of willow baskets, Marsh harriers have recently bred in the reedbeds with Reed buntings and Reed warblers. Marsh tits are common in some areas of woodland and Grasshopper warblers and Nightingales nest in the grass/scrub areas. In winter, Hen harriers, Bitterns and Bearded reedlings feed and roost in the shelter of the reed.
Mammals
The most unusual mammal is the Chinese water deer. It is a small deer and was introduced to Britain and escaped from captivity at Woburn to establish itself in a number of areas in southeast England. At Woodwalton there is now a resident population which is thriving in conditions similar to those in its native country. The bucks have no antlers, but instead grow long tusks. The other deer commonly encountered is the Muntjac. Another introduced species, this small animal is giving cause for concern as it can damage native plants in ancient woodlands.
Water voles, declining in number across the country are found in the ditches where abundant vegetation and sympathetic management encourages the species. Other small mammals you may come across include shews, stoats and weasels.
